Activist sues over sports betting in Rhode Island

A Republican activist has filed a lawsuit against sports betting legalisation in Rhode Island as he believes it violated the constitution.

US.- Sports betting in Rhode Island has already launched but it’s now facing some hurdles. A Republican activist has heavily criticised the segment’s legalisation and is suing lottery officials.

Activist Daniel Harrop filed a lawsuit against state lottery officials Wednesday. He did so through former Rhode Island Republican Party Chairman Brandon Bell and attorney Joe Larisa.

“If you don’t follow the constitution, what good it is then?” Harrop questioned about the legalisation process. He argues that voters should’ve been asked whether they wanted the bill to pass, according to the state’s constitution.

However, House Republicans asked for a court opinion prior to passing the bill. They wanted an opinion on whether lawmakers can authorize mobile gambling without asking voters first.

According to lawmakers, voters already approved gambling at Twin River Casino 2012 and Tiverton in 2016. Back then, sports betting was banned, but it was unclear whether it was included at such inquiry.

First to pass mobile gambling

Rhode Island was not only the first and only state to legally offer sports betting in New England. It also became the first to offer mobile sports betting. In March, Governor Gina Raimondo signed into law the bill that allows mobile sports betting.

The law allows the creation of an app that people can use to access the sports betting offerings at the Twin River facilities, but anyone who wishes to place a bet must be physically present in Rhode Island. Currently, bets must be placed in person at the Twin River casinos in Lincoln and Tiverton.

Senate President Dominick Ruggerio and Democratic House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello introduced the bill to generate more revenue and make sports betting more convenient for local citizens. The measure obtained the approval from the General Assembly earlier this month.