Rhode Island becomes the seventh state to legalize online casinos in America. On 20 June 2023, Governor Dan McKee officially allowed residents and visitors in the state to legally play online casino games by signing bills H6348 and S948.
In this Article:
- About the Bill to Legalize Online Casinos
- Bally Casino Has Monopoly in the State
- Passing of the Bill
While the bill legalizes online casinos, it comes with strict regulations, including the fact that all table games use live dealers.
Unlike states such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania, only one online casino is available in Rhode Island, and we don’t see any others joining the market any time soon.
Bally Casino currently holds the monopoly in the state, featuring an elaborate range of casino games from top-rated developers such as IGT. Players in the state would have access to a broad collection of games as the bill allows for slots, Blackjack, Poker, Roulette, and just about any other online casino game.
Considering that Bally operates the two land-based casinos in partnership with the local lottery, it makes sense that the same branded online casino becomes available.
Bally also assisted in launching retail sports betting in 2018 and digital betting a year later.
At the time of writing, Bally Casino has not yet launched in the state as the law only becomes effective from 1 March 2024, officially joining New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware, Connecticut, and West Virginia in providing a complete collection of online casino services.
Rhode Island Legalize Online Casinos in Less than 60 Days
Before the news of the state legalizing online casinos, few knew about the process, as the bill moved through both chambers in less than two months.
Dominick Ruggerio, the Senate President, who was in favor of the sports betting bill early on, also supported the online casino bill and said:
“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,” and 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.”
Since the state will only use one online casino brand to generate revenue, monitoring gaming fairness and responsible gambling habits becomes much more accessible. It’s already agreed that 61% of online slot and 15.5% of table game revenue will go to the state. The remaining revenue will go to Bally, IGT, and the two land-based casinos in the state.
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