Rhode Island Senate Approves Online Casino Gaming Bill
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Rhode Island Senators have passed a bill that will legalize online casino-style games in the state.
S 0948 was passed by a vote of 30-4 with only two Senators speaking in opposition to the bill. The legislation will allow online gaming through simulcasting table and slot games from Bally’s Twin River Casino in Lincoln to mobile devices or computers.
The legislation was introduced by Senate President Dominick Ruggerio on behalf of Bally’s Corp. and if passed into law will give the Rhode Island casino exclusive rights to host online casino gaming, with IGT as its vendor.
According to a study commissioned by Bally’s, the state could benefit to the tune of $210 million in tax dollars over the first five years of operations. However, a state-commissioned report carried out by Christiansen Capital Advisors LLC put that figure at around $160 million.
Speaking in a statement, Ruggerio said:
“This iGaming legislation is constitutional, is geared to mature users, contains education provisions for problem gamblers, and preserves the revenue allocation percentages as they are currently in place.
It helps ensure the continued strength of the state facilities in the competitive regional gaming market, and in so doing protects an important revenue stream that provides funding for vital state programs and investments.”
The original legislation was revised to address constitutional and revenue-sharing concerns raised by the Rhode Island Lottery.
Mark Furcolo, state lottery director, had previously spoken in opposition to the bill in its original format. He said that the bill clearly violated the state constitution as the previous referendums on casino gaming in the state did not approve online gaming. To circumvent those arguments, the bill was changed so that now table games will be simulcast with a live dealer. As such, there is no need to put the matter to a public vote once again.
The tax rate for online slot games also changed from 50% to 61% while online table games will be taxed at 18% as opposed to the 15.5% proposed in the original bill.
The original bill also set the minimum age for online gambling at 18, that has since been raised to 21. However, this is only applicable to online casino gaming. Online lottery and sports betting in Rhode Island is still available to those aged 18 or older.
If approved, the new legislation would come into force on January 1st, 2024.
Jenny TangAn experienced iGaming commentator and analyst based in New York City - Jenny reports on regulation and gambling industry news and events.
