Rhode Island’s Online Casino Bill Approved By State Senate

The Rhode Island state Senate has passed a law allowing Bally’s Twin River Casino to offer online table games and slots to residents over 21. 

The state Senate passed s 0948 with a vote of 30-4. Senate President Dominick Ruggerio proposed the bill, and was only opposed by two senators. The bill gives Bally exclusive rights to offer online casino games with IGT as its vendor.

The original bill was revised to address constitutional and revenue-sharing concerns brought to attention by the Rhode Island Lottery. Mark Furcolo, the state lottery director, said that the legislation clearly violated the state constitution prohibiting online gambling. To address the legality of the new casino bill, online table games will only be offered with a live dealer. 

After the compromise, Ruggerio stated:

 “This iGaming legislation is constitutional, is geared to mature users, contains education provisions for problem gamblers, and preserves the revenue allocation percentages as they are currently in place. It helps ensure the continued strength of the state facilities in the competitive regional gaming market and protects an important revenue stream that provides funding for vital state programs and investments.”

What Is The Legal Gambling Age In Rhode Island?

The legal gambling age in Rhode Island is 18. However, S 0948 makes the online gambling age 21. Currently, two domestic casinos in Rhode Island offer table games, slots, and resort immunities. 

Are Offshore Casinos Legal In Rhode Island?

Yes, online casinos in Rhode Island have been operating offshore since the early 2000s. No federal or state laws in Rhode Island make betting online with offshore casinos or sportsbooks illegal. The Rhode Island constitution does not authorize domestic gambling online; however, they do not have jurisdiction over offshore sites that operate legally outside the state lines.

When Will Domestic Online Casinos Go Live In Rhode Island?

The bill still needs to be signed into law by Governor Daniel McKee, but once it is, it will take a little while for Bally’s to launch their domestic online casino. It’s hard to believe that a domestic casino launch will do anything to change the way bettors play online casinos at this time, but it will attract some of Bally’s regulars to the mobile platform.