Mobile Online Betting in Rhode Island Hits Road Block
With the New England Patriots appearing in yet another Super Bowl game, those in the region who wanted to place a sport bet in person could finally do so at one of two Rhode Island casinos. While that small state was counting on offering online sports wagering within its borders, a reliance on offshore books for that purpose is likely to continue following the threat of a lawsuit by the state GOP to prevent such expansion.
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The party issued a statement Thursday that says the state should seek voter approval before allowing mobile sports wagering. Party Chairman Brandon Bell says they’re “actively looking at a lawsuit” to protect the constitutional right of Rhode Islanders.
Democratic Senate President Dominick Ruggerio authored a bill passed by the Senate last month to enable the creation of an app for people to access the sports betting offerings at Twin River Casino from anywhere in Rhode Island.
The House is considering similar legislation.
"It's really not an expansion of sports betting, it's just a different method of wagering," Ruggerio claims in order to bypass a voter referendum.
The state's two casinos currently offer limited sports betting (i.e. no parlays, etc..) and individuals would be required to register at one of the properties in person to begin placing online wagers. Like in New Jersey, bets will not be taken on state college teams such as the Friars or (Rhode Island) Rams.
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
