Rhode Island is on the verge of becoming the seventh US state to legalise online casino after a bill was passed in the state’s House of Representatives.
Following a 57-11 vote of approval by lawmakers in the state’s House, the bill has been sent to Governor Daniel McKee, who will decide if online casino becomes regulated in the Ocean State.
The bill, if passed, states that Bally’s would be given exclusive rights to operate in the state through its Twin River Lincoln property, while the operator’s official vendor, IGT, will also have gaming access.
The state’s online casino offering will essentially be a live casino as, to make the bill constitutional and avoid a referendum, the legislation states that games will be streamed via a simulcast with a live dealer at the casino location.
The offering, to be regulated by the state lottery, will be available to those over the age of 21 and Bally’s will also provide funding to help with responsible gambling education.
While the bill passed through the House without any amendments, some are concerned over the proposed monopoly Bally’s would have on the state’s market, as well as player protection concerns.
If McKee signs the bill into law, igaming could become legalised in Rhode Island by January 1, 2024, joining Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia as the only states in the US where online casino is legalised.
