Rhode Island governor signs igaming bill into law

Governor Daniel McKee has signed SB948.

US.- A bill to legalise online casino in Rhode Island has become law after being signed by governor  Daniel McKee. SB948/HB6348A were filed by Senate president Dominick J. Ruggerio and representative Gregory J. Costantino.

The legislation allows residents in the state over the age of 21 to play table games remotely using a computer or mobile app. Players will have to be located within the state of Rhode Island. The law gives Bally’s the exclusive rights to operate via its Twin River and Twin River-Tiverton properties with IGT as its vendor.

Following a committee amendment, HB6348/SB948 included legislation that requires a live dealer to be in place and streamed via a simulcast.

“This legislation provides an added convenience to Rhode Islanders who would like to play the existing table games offered at Twin River via their mobile devices,” said Ruggerio. “It helps ensure the continued strength of the state facilities in the competitive regional gaming market, and in so doing protects an important revenue stream that provides funding for vital state programs and investments.”

“I’m gratified that we were able to amend the original bill to restrict online table games to users over the age of 21, and that Bally’s has also agreed to provide additional resources to educate young people about problem gaming,” said Costantino. 

The legislation will allow legalised online casino games in Rhode Island by January 1, 2024. The State Lottery Division of the Department of Revenue will regulate the vertical.

See also: Rhode Island sports betting handle drops again in April