Rhode Island is the 7th US state to legalize igaming.
Key takeaways:
- Bill signed by Gov. Dan McKee allowing igaming in Rhode Island
- Expect to see the first sites open from April 2024
- Bally’s extends Rhode Island casino monopoly into igaming
Gov. Dan McKee signed Senate Bill 948 into law today, paving the way for igaming. Last week Rhode Island lawmakers approved the igaming bill and sent it through for stamping by Gov. MacKee.
Senator Dominick Ruggerio, the bill’s sponsor, 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.”
“This is a focused version of igaming that is ready for implementation. 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,” he added.
With this development, players in Rhode Island can expect to enjoy online casino games in the state from April 2023.
The details – Bally’s igaming monopoly
The Rhode Island gaming landscape differs from the open system in jurisdictions like Pennsylvania or New Jersey. Bally’s enjoys a monopoly on land-based casino operations.
The new Igaming Act does not change things much regarding the operation of online casinos. As it stands, the act extends Bally’s privileges and appoints it as the sole operator.
What players can expect
Bally’s will be in charge of igaming in Rhode Island. The operator’s online arm, Gamesys, oversees operations at Virgin Casino, Rainbow Riches Casino, and Tropicana Casino.
The Rhode Island Division of Lottery has been given the task regarding regulation. Only players 21 years and older will be allowed to play online casino games. The state has also stated that players must be physically present in Rhode Island to participate.