Rhode Island becomes seventh US state to legalize igaming
Ocean State to usher in online monopoly for Bally’s brands by April 2024 after Governor approves bill
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee has signed Senate Bill 948 into law, bringing igaming to the Ocean State for the first time.
Last Thursday (June 15), members of the Rhode Island General Assembly voted 56-11 in favour of the bill, which was then sent up to McKee.
In giving his approval to the bill, McKee has ushered in the seventh US state to offering legal online casino.
Rhode Island now joins New Jersey, Delaware, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Connecticut in offering icasino.
Online slots and table games will be live in the state from April 2024.
However, the signing of the bill will essentially bring in a monopoly on online casino in the state, with Bally’s afforded exclusive access akin to its current status in the land-based sector.
Bally’s operates a number of online brands via its Gamesys arm, including Virgin Casino, Tropicana Casino and Rainbow Riches Casino.
Diving into the law, there will be a 50% tax on online slot revenue while table games are to face an 18% revenue tax.
Online casino will be regulated by the Rhode Island Division of the Lottery and its director Mark Furcolo.
The bill’s sponsor, Dominick J Ruggerio, said: “This is a focused version of igaming that is ready for implementation.
“This igaming legislation is constitutional, is geared towards mature users, contains education provisions for problem gamblers and preserves the revenue allocation percentages as they are currently in place.
“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,” Ruggerio continued.
“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,” he added.