The governor waited until almost the last minute to sign an important iGaming bill
Having been given the chance to make a prompt decision, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee instead waited until the last minute to sign a new statute on Thursday, namely Senate Bill 948. The primary objective of the law is to bring the Bally casino group into the world of online gambling. McKee signed the bill just a few hours before the deadline, and consequently, slot machines, and traditional gambling tables alike, are expected to become available in the digital sphere by April 2024.
Bally’s control of gambling has been expanded by the law, encompassing more than just the state’s casinos and iGaming. As a result, Gamesys, the online wing of the business, will be the exclusive operator in the area. Virgin Casino, Tropicana Casino and Rainbow Riches Casino are among the brands that the company operates.
“This legislation provides an added convenience to Rhode Islanders who would like to play the existing table games offered at Twin River via their mobile devices,” said the bill’s sponsor and president of the Senate, Dominick J Ruggerio.
Online revenue is subject to a 50% tax per the law, and the remaining amount is divided between IGT, the technology supplier, and Bally. On the other hand, table games are taxed at a lower rate of 18%.
The state law of Rhode Island mandates that mobile sports betting can only be accessed by individuals aged 21 years or above. Earlier this year, it was revealed that Bally was involved in developing the legislation and an employee has corroborated this in an official statement.
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