Rhode Island Rolls the Dice: Online Gaming Set to Thrive

Rhode Island Rolls the Dice: Online Gaming Set to Thrive

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Rhode Island has etched its name as the seventh state to embrace the gaming wave, breaking traditional barriers and expanding possibilities for online casino enthusiasts. Governor Dan McKee put pen to paper on June 22, officially signing Senate Bill 948 into law—a decision that not only extends Bally's monopoly in the brick-and-mortar casino space but thrusts the company into the digital forefront of online gaming.

The corridors of Rhode Island's legislative houses echoed with bipartisan approval as both the House and Senate united to greenlight the state's ambitious iGaming bill. With the clock ticking towards a crucial decision, the bill landed on Governor McKee's desk, leaving him with the pivotal choice of either endorsing or vetoing it. Choosing the former path, McKee's signature marked the countdown to a new era, with online slots and table games slated to make their digital debut in the Ocean State come April 2024.

“This legislation delivers added convenience to Rhode Islanders keen on playing the existing table games at Twin River using their mobile devices,” expressed the bill's sponsor and Senate President, Dominick J Ruggerio. “This focused version of iGaming is primed for implementation, offering a constitutional framework, catering to mature users, including educational provisions for problem gamblers, and preserving the current revenue allocation percentages.”

The legislation doesn't just signal the advent of online gaming; it solidifies Bally's standing as the predominant player in Rhode Island's burgeoning iGaming landscape. As the law takes effect, Bally's online arm, Gamesys, emerges as the exclusive operator authorized to weave the digital tapestry of online casino services in Rhode Island.

Underpinning this gaming revolution is a judicious tax structure—50% levied on online slot revenue, with the remaining profits carefully split between Bally's and IGT. The tax rate for table games, set at a more moderate 18%, aims to strike a harmonious balance, fostering a lucrative yet fair environment for operators and regulators alike.

Rhode Island's venture into online gaming unfolds with a mindful approach. The law restricts access to mobile sports betting to individuals aged 21 and above, aligning seamlessly with existing land-based regulations. This conscientious measure reflects the state's commitment to maintaining consistency across traditional and online gaming platforms, fostering a responsible and mature approach to the expanding realm of mobile sports betting.

As the digital doors swing open in April 2024, Rhode Island's online casino enthusiasts can anticipate a gaming landscape that goes beyond mere entertainment. Bally's monopoly promises an exclusive and seamless gaming experience, while the state's dedication to responsible gaming, evident through educational provisions, underscores a thoughtful approach to potential challenges.

This legislative landmark is a declaration of Rhode Island's embrace of innovation, accessibility, and responsible gaming practices. As the state transitions into this transformative phase, players and operators alike are poised to benefit from a seamless blend of tradition and innovation. Rhode Island's online gaming scene is on the brink of a thrilling evolution, and players across the state eagerly anticipate the dawn of a new era in gaming excitement.