- The RI House concurred with the RI Senate to support the launch of a regulated iGaming industry.
- Assuming Governor Daniel McKee signs the measure, Rhode Island would become the seventh state to open an online casino gambling market.
- Many House reps expressed their disapproval of the idea, but their words fell short.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - On Thursday legislators approved an iGaming bill in Rhode Island. Transmitted to the governor's desk, Governor Daniel McKee has six days to approve or reject the measure before it becomes law on its own.
As the process to regulate online gambling sites in Rhode Island happened in under 50 days, a few legislators believe the expansion comes without added benefits.
Representative Teresa Tanzi (District 34) seemed to be the leader of the opposition.
Attempting to halt the measure from passing, an attempt to add a smoking ban at land-based Rhode Island casinos failed due to the Speaker's (Rep. K. Joseph Shekarchi) words.
Representative Michelle McGaw (District 71) also took her moment on the House Floor. She asked if this online gambling bill was something of importance to the residents.
“Have any of your constituents asked you for this? Because only people I have heard speaking in favor of this are Bally’s and those who want the shiny bobble..."
Failed Amendments
While the first two came from the inquisitive side, Representative Brandon Potter (District 16) did his part to further regulate H 6348 – the gambling bill.
Some of Potter's amendments included RI casinos not laying off employees and requiring annual reports and having iGaming software physically present in RI.
All amendments saw rejection from the House.
“This is by far the most incredibly dangerous piece of legislation that I have seen... It is completely unvetted, and I see no benefit other than enriching a large corporate partnership at the expense of devastating people..."
Still, despite the calls for further investigation into online gambling expansion, the House concurred with the Senate's previously amended bill.
More Bill Details Moving Forward
Passing 57-11 in the House and 30-4 in the Senate, Rhode Island would become the seventh state to launch a regulated online casino industry. This is assuming Governor McKee approves the measure.
Once approved, the industry - which estimates $130 million in gross gaming revenue at maturity - will launch on March 1, 2024.
In partnership with the local Bally's Corporation, they will hold a monopoly over online Rhode Island casino gambling. RI will collect 61% of slots and 15.5% of table game revenue.
As far as oversight goes, the Rhode Island Lottery will oversee the industry, similar to online sports betting in RI. Unlike sports betting though, players must be 21 to gamble online, whereas sportsbooks allow players at 18 in RI.
The ability of Rhode Island to enter multistate agreements also offers an expanded online poker outlet for their residents.
One interesting aspect of the bill is live dealers. While some states with online gambling permit the use of live dealers, RI made it a requirement.