RI Moving Fast to Expand Sports Betting and Legalize Marijuana—Is Prostitution Next?
Thursday, February 14, 2019
On Wednesday, the Rhode Island Senate approved legislation that would allow expanding sports betting to mobile. The launch of sports betting has been a revenue bust and initial revenue promised for the state is running at less than 30 percent of what was included in the Rhode Island state budget for the year.
Governor Gina Raimondo is advocating for the legalization of marijuana and has included it in her proposed budget for next year.
Now, in part due to the recent Foxy Lady arrests and shutdown, some are advocating for the legalization of prostitution in Rhode Island.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAs GoLocal reported, State Representative Anastasia Williams has introduced legislation to create a study commission to look at legalization of prostitution. The idea of legalization has support from one Providence City Councilwoman, Katherine Kerwin, who suggested in the shadow of the Foxy Lady controversy that it is time to consider decriminalization.
The advocacy group Coyote-RI, who represents the interest of sex workers, blames those who are soliciting sex, “We are also concerned by recent news stories detailing state repression of sex workers. Just last week, a Providence police lieutenant who was assigned to a strip club detail was placed on administrative leave after allegedly assaulting a sex worker he was romantically involved with. Additionally, two sex workers were arrested last week in a story involving a Boston police officer. The officer, who allegedly paid for sex, accused the women of stealing his gun (which was left unattended by him). We are alarmed that the women currently sit in jail while the officer is being rewarded with administrative leave with pay for his negligence in leaving a lethal weapon unattended."
Sports Betting Moves Fast
Rarely does important legislation move fast at the Rhode Island General Assembly — the important bills are generally held until the end of the session to be traded off for one another. But not this year -- the expansion of sports betting to mobile is moving at a near-record pace.
The legislation would allow 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.
In just five-plus years, Rhode Island could go from just a lottery and two slot machine parlors in Lincoln and Newport to sports betting on your phone 24 hours a day.
Gamblers must initially set up their accounts in person at Twin River, and then can place a wager from anywhere in the state. The Senate claims that the technology will restrict the wagering and that the gambler must be physically in the state of Rhode Island in order for the bet to be made.
Senate President Dominick Ruggerio said, “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. 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.”
The bill now goes to the House for action and Speaker of the House Nick Mattiello has introduced similar legislation.
Raimondo’s Marijuana Push
In this year’s proposed budget, Raimondo is counting on $6.5 million in new revenue -- she has proposed legalizing marijuana to include retail sales and taxation as well as an expansion of the compassion centers which sell marijuana for medical use.
Massachusetts allowed its first two retailers to open in early November and additional locations have opened subsequently. The Commonwealth has realized more than $36.2 million in sales in the first three months.
Related Slideshow: PHOTOS: General Assembly Opening Session - January 1, 2019
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