The Rhode Island Senate has recently approved a bill that would legalize online casino-style games in the state. This move comes as a response to the growing demand for online gambling options and the need to generate revenue for the state.
The bill, which was introduced by Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, would allow the state’s two casinos, Twin River and Tiverton, to offer online versions of their games, including slots, table games, and poker. The casinos would be required to partner with a technology provider to operate the online games.
Proponents of the bill argue that legalizing online gambling would provide a safe and regulated environment for players while generating much-needed revenue for the state. According to Ruggerio, “This legislation allows us to offer an entertaining product to a much broader audience, while also providing a new source of revenue to continue to support critical state services.”
Opponents of the bill, however, argue that online gambling can lead to addiction and other social problems. They also point out that the state’s existing casinos could see a decline in revenue as players shift to online options.
Despite these concerns, many other states have already legalized online gambling, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. In fact, online gambling has become a significant source of revenue for these states, with New Jersey alone generating over $1 billion in revenue from online gambling in 2020.
If the bill is signed into law by Governor Dan McKee, Rhode Island would become the fifth state in the US to legalize online casino-style games. The move is expected to generate millions of dollars in revenue for the state, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In conclusion, the Rhode Island Senate’s approval of a bill legalizing online casino-style games is a significant step towards meeting the growing demand for online gambling options while generating much-needed revenue for the state. While there are concerns about addiction and declining revenue for existing casinos, the success of other states that have legalized online gambling suggests that the benefits may outweigh the risks. Ultimately, it will be up to Governor McKee to decide whether to sign the bill into law and make Rhode Island the next state to join the online gambling revolution.
