Rhode Island has officially passed bill SB 948 into law following a signature from its governor, Daniel McKee. This makes Rhode Island the first state to introduce an online casino bill this year and successfully pass it. The best part is that there were little waves around the bill.
Most states close legislative sessions without passing these bills. This was not the case with SB 948. Yet, some lawmakers were unhappy.
Rhode Island has a population of slightly more than one million people. As such, most lawmakers feel one gambling operator is enough for the state.
Bally`s and IGT Continued Monopoly
The only reason some politicians did not support the bill was the continued monopoly of Bally`s and IGT. For instance, Representative Teresa Tanzi said that Rhode Island should be given room to choose its preferred online casino app.
She noted that other states gave their residents varied options. However, other representatives replied by saying that Bally`s was paying a favorable tax, one no other state gets.
Rhode Island is the headquarters of Bally`s Corporation and home of the IGT operational offices. The two companies power the only land-based casinos in the state. This monopoly is being extended online after the lottery commission selected the companies to provide online casino gaming.
Teresa was not the only politician opposing SB 948. Several other politicians suggested amendments. Some of these amendments had nothing to do with the bill.
Fortunately, most lawmakers were in support of the bill, eliminating any chances of throwing it out before the end of the legislative session. This led to a vote whereby 56 Senate members voted in support and 11 against it.
The House members voted 57-11, with 57 supporting the bill. The bill passed without major changes.
SB 948
Also known as House Bill 6348, SB 948 is an online casino expansion bill. The Senate bill was introduced by Senate President Dominick Ruggerio.
Ruggerio said the bill provided more convenience to Rhode Island residents as it would allow players to access table games at Twin River on mobile devices. The Senate President continued by explaining the bill would protect the state`s revenue stream that catered to crucial programs in the state.
Ruggerio also said the casino bill was ready to pass and implement. The bill contains problem gambling materials and maintains that Bally`s would continue paying the allocated percentage in tax revenue.
Currently, Bally’s pays 61 percent in tax revenue. The operator will pay the same for its online slots. The operator will part away with another 15 percent on table games.
Representative Gregory Costantino also had good things to say about the casino bill. He was also happy that the lawmakers had amended the bill to restrict people below 21 years from playing online table games and for Bally’s to provide problem gambling resources.
The initial bill had asked the state lottery commission to be ready for an online casino by January 2024. However, the commission asked for more months to get ready latest by March 2024.
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