The State Senate President Dominick Ruggerio and North Providence State Rep Greg Constantino are teaming up on a bill to expand casino gambling in the state.
The proposal is for on-line gambling. It is a measure similar to that which is already underway in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
“This legislation is a first step in the public review process around potential iGaming in Rhode Island,” said President Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence) and Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick). “Our state casinos provide an important source of revenue to fund vital programs and investments that benefit all Rhode Islanders. The companies that manage casino operations on behalf of the state have made significant investments to ensure they are well positioned to thrive in the years ahead, much of which was required under legislation we sponsored known as the Marc A. Crisafulli Act. It is imperative that we continue to explore all avenues to protect and bolster our competitive position, including the potential for iGaming.”
The lawmakers point to a new study out commissioned by Bally’s that points to an increase in revenues if it is approved. The casino says that on line betting could bring in between 93 and 130 million dollars in additional revenues.
The House Finance Committee will schedule hearings on the proposal.
(Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)