Rhode Island: judge rejects halt to sports betting

A judge from Rhode Island has rejected a request from a Republican activist to halt sports betting in casinos and online.

US.- A judge has sided with the state and denied the request from a Republican activist to halt sports betting in Rhode Island.

According to Associated Press, the complaint against sports betting activity was brought by Daniel Harrop, a former Providence mayoral candidate. He argued that sports betting online and at the state’s two casinos should be stopped because it violated the state constitution since the activity has not been approved by voters.

Harrop had said he was concerned about the possibility to bet from any place in Rhode Island not only at casinos, through online wagering.

But judge Brian Stern found in favour of governor Gina Raimondo’s administration, finding that voters gave the go-ahead for sports betting when they approved table games at Twin River’s casino in Tiverton.

Judge Stern said: “The court finds that based on the plain language of the referenda questions and the definition of casino gaming, voters had ‘fair notice’ that they were broadly approving all casino gaming and any other game included within the definition of Class III gaming.”

Harrop’s attorney called the decision disappointing and said he would appeal to the state Supreme Court.

He said: “The ruling opens the door for an entire online casino without voter approval.”