Rhode Island senate on Wednesday voted for legalizing mobile sports betting in Rhode Island as they moved forward a step ahead for legalizing it. The Rhode Island Senate on Wednesday voted 31-4 for allowing it through Twin River Casinos in Lincoln and Tiverton. The measure which will enable the creation of an app consumers could use to access the sports betting offerings at Twin River from anywhere if it fulfills the conditions of the Senate. Senate President Dominick J Ruggerio, a Democrat who introduced the legislation asserted that the bill would open up new ways for the state and allow the state to generate some revenues from it.
“The new in-person sportsbook which had opened in November has gained immense popularity and it has garnered huge attention from the people,” he said. “Rhode Islanders entertain it as an entertainment option and visitors who even do not live in Rhode Island also spend their money on it. It opens up many new opportunities and I think that it would bring people together where they could enjoy the game and they can also enjoy sports betting.” State senator Donna Nesselbush has said RI needs revenues from the move but she also feels that there could be some possible hurdles on the way.
If the House approves the bill, it will then move forward to Governor Gina Raimondo for his approval. The governor has already proposed a budget which accounts for $3 million in new revenue from mobile gaming.