- RI SB 37 will legalize mobile betting for Rhode Island
- The state’s GOP plans to sue over this bill
- They claim that expanding to mobile betting should go through a voter referendum
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – This week, the Rhode Island Republican Party said that they are considering suing over mobile sports betting proposal.
Lawmakers are set to vote on RI SB 37 next week. If the bill passes the house and gets signed by Governor Gina Raimondo, it would allow for mobile and online sports betting to be allowed in Rhode Island. The GOP of Rhode Island plans to sue over this mobile wagering bill.
If the GOP of Rhode Island decides to go ahead and sue over the issue of sports betting in Rhode Island, this will most likely delay online and mobile wagering for the state.
GOP Wants The Issue To Go To The Voters
The GOP said that any issue regarding sports betting or any expansion on gambling should not be left up to lawmakers.
"We are actively looking at a lawsuit to protect the constitutional right of Rhode Islanders to approve or disapprove by referendum whether or not they want the new type of gambling in the form of sports betting in person and online in our state," said Chairman Brandon Bell of the GOP.
How Sports Betting Became Legal In The First Place
When sports betting became legal in Rhode Island, it was originally thanks to a voter referendum. Residents of the state voted in 2012 and 2016 to approve casino gambling in the state. This allowed the construction of two Class III casinos and it also included sports betting.
Then SB 2045 appeared in the State Senate and Governor Raimondo was quick to adopt the language from the bill to her budget proposal. The proposal eventually passed in mid-June and sports betting was legalized.
The Referendum Conundrum
Although there were bills voted on, residents of Rhode Island had voted to allow sports betting. The GOP is arguing that it should be left up to the voters again because of this. But, the residents have already voted on the issue so it can be argued that it was already decided by referendum to allow mobile sports betting.
Lawmakers are doing the same thing for mobile wagering just like they when they legalized sports betting. They are voting on a bill to help put in place what the voters already had decided on.
If the state’s GOP decides to go ahead and sue, these are likely going to be the two arguments that are going to play out.
Senate President Wants To Push Forward
Democratic Senate President Dominick Ruggerio said that he is shocked that the GOP would sue because mobile betting would “support lower taxes and greater individual liberties.” He is also concerned about delaying new revenue that the state needs right now.
"The revenue from sports wagering supports critical state services, like road and bridge repairs, education and human services, while offsetting reliance on taxes," said Ruggerio.
As it currently stands, the Rhode Island GOP has not yet officially sued over the issue. RI SB 37 passed in the Senate last month and it passed the House Finance Committee last week. The current plan for lawmakers is to have the full House to vote on the legislation next week. If the GOP decides to sue, then a vote on the bill could end up getting delayed.