Saturday, June 10, 2023

Rhode Island Senate Approved Online Gambling Bill

The Rhode Island Senate has approved legislation to regulate and tax internet gambling sites.

By just two Senators coming out against S 0948, it was carried with a vote of 30 to 4. Bally's Twin River Casino in Lincoln will be permitted to simulcast its table and slot games on mobile devices and PCs thanks to the new law.

Bally's Corp., represented by Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, filed legislation that, if enacted, would grant the Rhode Island casino exclusive rights to conduct online casino gambling using technology provided by IGT.

To Legislate Regarding Online Gambling

Bally's commissioned a study showing that the state stands to gain $210 million in tax revenue over the first five years of operation. However, Christiansen Capital Advisors LLC calculated that amount for the state and found that it was closer to $160 million.

According to a bookie pay per head forum, the Rhode Island Lottery created constitutional and income sharing problems, therefore the initial law was amended to solve those issues.

State Lottery Director Mark Furcolo had already voiced his objection to the measure as it was. Since prior state referendums on casino gambling had not authorized internet gaming, he argued that the measure was in direct violation of the state constitution. The legislation was amended so that live dealer table games may be broadcast in response to the opposition. Therefore, another vote by the general public is unnecessary.


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