UPDATED: Senate President Ruggerio Pushes for Mobile Sports Betting
Thursday, January 17, 2019
The bungled and delayed launch of sports betting is forcing legislative leaders to look at a major expansion into mobile gaming. Vendors IGT and Twin River were months late in starting Rhode Island's sports betting program and the budgeted revenue of $23.5 million has been downgraded already once to just $11.5 million and the numbers look like they will continue to fall.
GoLocal’s visits to Twin River’s sports betting venue found small crowds and long lines as the staff was slow in processing bets. The first week’s reported numbers showed it would be difficult to meet the now downgraded $11.5 revenue number for Rhode Island.
Senate President Dominick Ruggerio paints a different picture of the venue.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“The new in-person sportsbook that opened in November has been very popular, with lines stretching out the doors,” said President Ruggerio. “It is an entertainment option that many Rhode Islanders enjoy, and visitors from outside the state are also flocking to our gaming facilities to place their wagers on sporting events. Expanding to mobile gaming would provide a convenient option for those wishing to enjoy this form of entertainment, and open up the economic benefits beyond the walls of Twin River. I can envision a group of friends from out-of-state spending an evening out in a local establishment where they can both watch the game and place a wager.”
Greg Pare, spokesman for Ruggerio tells GoLocal, "The Senate President shares the frustration of consumers regarding long lines and wait times for sports wagering at Twin River. He has expressed these concerns both publicly and Twin River officials. New Kiosks are expected to be active in March, which will help alleviate backups, as will mobile sports gaming should his legislation be approved."
On the House side, Speaker Nick Mattiello tells GoLocal in an email, “I am aware the legislation is a priority of Senate President Ruggerio’s, so that makes it an important issue when he introduces it. If his proposal enhances the gaming experience for Rhode Islanders while providing additional revenue for the state, it is certainly an idea worthy of a thorough review.”
House Minority Leader questions if the expansion to an app is legal. "The preliminary and central question is whether this proposal is even constitutional. The People through ballot a question approved casino gambling at Twin River in Lincoln, and subsequently, in Tiverton. To start, the proponents need to produce a well-reasoned legal opinion regarding this proposal’s legality," said Representative Blake Filippi.
Pushing for Expansion
Ruggerio’s legislation would enable the creation of an app consumers could use to access the sports gaming offerings at Twin River from anyplace within the parameters of the state of Rhode Island. Consumers must initially set up their accounts in person at Twin River, and thereafter could place a wager from anywhere in the state. They must be physically in the state of Rhode Island in order to wager. The system would utilize technology to determine the location of any person placing a wager, and would not accept wagers from outside of the state’s boundaries.
Ruggerio has not responded to questions about the IGT and Twin River issues and if other vendors would be considered.
According to Ruggerio's office, the State of Rhode Island would continue to receive 51 percent of all winnings from sports wagering, among the highest rates in the country.
“Revenue from sports gaming supports critical state services, like road and bridge repairs, education and human services. This revenue offsets reliance on taxes for state needs,” said President Ruggerio. “It is estimated that 97 percent of sports betting takes place illegally. This is an opportunity to give Rhode Islanders and visitors a legal avenue to participate in an activity they enjoy, while providing a very tangible benefit to our state.”
Ruggerio's office did not respond to questions about revenue estimates.
This story was first published 1/16/19 12:31 PM
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