Politics & Government
RI Lawmakers Approve Mobile Sports Betting Bill
The bill now heads to the governor's desk to be signed into law.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Rhode Island House of Representatives voted in favor of mobile sports betting in the state Tuesday evening, meaning the measure now heads to the governor's desk. Under the new law, mobile sports betting would be allowed anywhere within the state through an app.
Betting would be facilitated through Twin River Casinos in Lincoln and Tiverton, where the app server will be located. In order to take part, users would first have to go to the casino in person to create an account. Using location technology, the app would then accept bets placed anywhere within the confines of the state.
The legislation was introduced by each chamber's leader: Senate President Dominick Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence) and Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello (D-Dist. 15, Cranston).
Find out what's happening in Cranstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“The new in-person sportsbook that opened in November has been very popular, with lines sometimes stretching out the doors,” Ruggerio previously said of the legislation. “It is an entertainment option that many Rhode Islanders enjoy, and visitors from outside the state are also flocking to our gaming facilities to place their wagers on sporting events. Expanding to mobile gaming would provide a convenient option for those wishing to enjoy this form of entertainment, and open up the economic benefits beyond the walls of Twin River. I can envision a group of friends from out-of-state spending an evening out in a local establishment where they can both watch the game and place a wager.”
Because the server for the app would be located within the casino, the bets are considered to be placed there, a system similar to laws passed in other states including New Jersey. As with in-person wagers, the state would keep 51 percent of all winnings.
Find out what's happening in Cranstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"This revenue, along with the revenue we anticipate from an expansion to mobile gaming is a tremendous benefit to the state," Mattiello said. "It’s an added benefit that we can capture revenue that would have otherwise gone to an illegal market. When you consider that up to 97 percent of sports wagering is done illegally, it makes good sense for the state to increase its revenue by providing an entertainment that can be done safely and legally."
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