- Rhode Island Legislature passes online gambling bill but must be signed by the governor.
- Legislators believe mobile gambling will add $3 million to state revenue.
- Rhode Island Constitution insists on voter approval for any betting expansion.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Rhode Island is one of the few states that allows sports betting within state borders. The betting takes place in the states two Twin River casinos: Lincoln and Tiverton. Fortunately, this may not be the only spot for sports betting in Rhode Island, soon you may be able to bet right from your couch. Rhode Island lawmakers have approved a bill for a mobile sports betting app.
The App’s Requirements
The app would allow residents to access the Twin River Casino’s betting option via mobile. Residents that would want to use this app to palace bets online would have to sign up for the app in person at either one of the Twin River Casinos. Rhode Island residents can only use the app if they are within state boundaries.
Legal Hurdles And Projected Revenue
The mobile sports gambling app still has a few hurdles to jump to be officially passed into law. State Governor Gina Raimondo must sign the bill before it can be passed into law. The Rhode Island Constitution also states that voter approval is required for any gambling expansion. A few Republicans have also expressed their displeasure with the pace of the app legalization process for mobile gaming.
“I support this type of gaming. I don’t support moving ahead when there are substantial questions about its legality,” said Republican House minority leader Rep. Blake Filippi. “I think we should be asking for an advisory opinion for the Rhode Island Supreme Court before we build our budget around it and invest in the technology.”
An incentive for the bill’s speedy path through the legislature is that the State is expecting online gaming, through the possible gaming app, to bring Rhode Island roughly $3 million dollars in online gambling revenue. The state is also expecting another $27 million from its two land-based sportsbooks.
All Eyes On Rhode Island
The state’s bill for an online gaming app rests in the hands of Governor Raimondo and Rhode Island residents. If Governor Raimondo signs the bill, then it will be up to the residents to vote this gambling expansion bill into law. Rhode Island bettors have their sports gambling at their two casinos and soon may have it right on their lamp stand beside their keys and wallet.