Rhode Island Senate Passes Bill Legalizing Online Table Games
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:Adults in Rhode Island may soon be able to enjoy playing casino table games online after the Senate passed Bill 948 Sub A.
The Bill will now go to the House of Representatives, and if it passes, then it will legalize online table games within the state. The Bill had many supporters in the Senate, such as Senate President Dominick J. Ruggiero, D-North Providence. He explained that it would make the state more competitive in the region and create a revenue stream that would help support a number of state programs.
Before passing, the bill went through a committee hearing process, and a number of changes were made. It now requires a live dealer to be present at the games, similar to the laws passed in New Jersey.
Ruggiero has said that the legislation is not only constitutional but that it also includes provisions to support problem gamblers and channel more money into tackling gambling harm. The bill also received the backing of the Sports Betting Alliance.
The laws would allow casinos to provide online games using IGT’s platform, the same platform used by the state’s land casinos. The Rhode Island Lottery would regulate the games. Only those aged 21+ would be permitted to play the games, the state’s share of online slot revenue would increase to 61%, and the share of table game revenue would be reduced to 15.5%.
While the prospects for online casino gaming look good in Rhode Island, other states, including New York, New Hampshire, Illinois, and Indiana, have failed to pass bills this year. Rhode Island is also looking at introducing college sports betting with a bill that would remove restrictions on placing wagers on in-state college teams.
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