Triumph For The Ocean State As Governor Signs Senate Bill 948

Success! Rhode Island Legalizes iGaming

Senate Bill 948 has been signed, meaning that Rhode Island becomes another state in the US to legalize iGaming.

The US’s smallest state is the latest in the growing line of states that have legalized iGaming. It’s a triumph for Rhode Island, the ocean state, as people welcome the new change and hotly anticipate the industry’s launch. This expansion from traditional land-based casino games to those online will be something many casino enthusiasts will enjoy. This is not only because of the convenience factor, but also for the hundreds of no deposit bonus codes on offer, particularly on well-known casino comparison sites like NoDepositFriend.com.

Let’s take a look at the timelines for Senate Bill 948 and what happens next in the state’s online gambling story.

A brief history of online gambling in the US

Online gambling is still in its infancy in the United States. While sports betting operations are popping up around the country, thanks to the quick spread of state-based legal sports betting post the repeal of PASPA in 2018, the online casino industry still needs to follow suit.

In the early 2010s Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware came online in offering regulated iGaming industries, and for the other states, it has been a slow drip. Since then, newcomers have included West Virginia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, now joined by Rhode Island.

States are allowed to regulate their own online gambling sectors, but the uptake has been slow. Several states have legislation in the works currently, although Rhode Island wasn’t on the radar of most due to concentration on other potential markets such as New York.

As states see the impact of new online sports betting revenues, iGaming will be a tempting carrot dangled to many governments. This is particularly enticing considering that the population already engages in online casino gambling, offered through overseas providers that register their casinos in far-flung locations. The tax dollars that can come through the system, rather than go straight into the hands of overseas business people, can be irresistible. It simply makes sense from a government standpoint, especially when regulation in places like the UK proves that the industry is highly profitable and can operate while minimizing harm from problem gambling.

Rhode Island for the push

In April, Senate Bill 948 was put forward by a number of senators, backed by Bally’s casino, which is based out of Delaware, and will maintain sole operator rights.

Just a few short weeks later the bill was approved and then signed into law by Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee. With the signing of the bill, it means that the state has until April of 2024 to prepare for iGaming to be rolled out within the state. 

Under the terms of operation, it requires that live dealers are in place to offer casino table games. This is a win for customers, as live dealer games can make casino play online that much more exciting. Under the terms of the new law that’s coming into place, Bally’s will be the sole operator of online gaming operations in the State. The gaming powerhouse is home to a number of brands including Tropicana Casino and Virgin Casino.

Bally’s will need to develop a live-streaming casino facility to ensure that they fall within the bounds of operation as stipulated by the state.

The taxation dealt to Bally’s is not insignificant, coming in at a huge 50% tax on the revenues of their online slots offerings, although table games will only be subject to 18%. The Rhode Island Division of Lottery will be the overseeing body for the purposes of regulation in this case.

How does this measure up to other states?

The state of iGaming in Rhode Island is expanding, albeit in a very limited manner. The fact that only one operator is allowed under the incoming laws means that it’s more a win for the casino and players in the state, as well as the state itself, rather than the iGaming industry more broadly.

Of course, this initial roll out could just be the start of a new, larger market within the state. Just because Rhode Island is starting off small doesn’t mean that expansion plans are not in the future. By launching online gambling with one trusted provider it means that this is a ‘safe bet.’ By keeping a small footprint, Rhode Island can test the waters in how it affects its people. And by doing it this way, it has meant that it has been easier for the bill itself to get over the line, and this new service can be rolled out faster, rather than languishing in debate for months and even years in government. 

While it’s not the most forward-looking legislation, it is a welcome change for the people of Rhode Island and those who have been keenly watching the iGaming industry.