Rhode Island legislators recently approved online casino wagering and poker, becoming the first state to do so this year. The move came on the legislature’s last day of the session and Gov. Dan McKee (D) gave his approval in late June.
Legalization was a bit of a whirlwind in the state with legislation only being introduced in April. With the quick legislation and governor’s signature, legislators and state gaming regulators are aiming toward an official launch in March 2024.
“It helps ensure the continued strength of the state facilities in the competitive regional gaming market, and in so doing protects an important revenue stream that provides funding for vital state programs and investments,” Senate President Dominick Ruggerio (D) said.
Bally’s Casino will be the sole operator and in related news is already planning to offer legal online gaming in the state. Shortly after the passage of online gaming legislation, the company announced a major partnership this week to be ready when iGaming goes live.
Details on Rhode Island Online Gaming
Rhode Island becomes the eighth state in the country allowing online casino or poker in some form including: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Connecticut, Michigan, Delaware, and Nevada. While sports betting has quickly spread across the country, online casino and poker have been embraced more slowly by state governments.
Some online gaming aspects will look a bit different in the Ocean State. Because of concerns regarding the state’s constitution, casino gaming will feature “simulcast wagering.” This means players will be participating in live games played in a studio or casino rather than digital-only gaming options as found in some other states. While live dealer games are an option for online bettors in other states, they become the sole option for gamblers in Rhode Island.
State lottery director Mark Furcolo had advised legislators that when voters authorized casinos in the cities of Twin River and Tiverton in 2012 and 2016, that didn’t include online gambling. Giving the okay to strictly digital gaming options would have meant putting the issue up for voters.
As part of the legislation, Bally’s became the sole online gaming operator. That received some pushback from some lawmakers, but was ultimately included in the law. The company owns both of the state’s casinos in Twin River and Tiverton.
To take part in Rhode Island online gaming, players would have to be age 21 to take part. The state also legalized online poker in the process. With just 1.1 million people, it seems unlikely the state could support its own poker platform. However, the state would be allowed to join other states in interstate gaming compacts.
That currently includes Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, and Michigan. WSOP.com operates a platform for New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware (with 888poker). PokerStars online casino operates a platform with Michigan and New Jersey. Rhode Island could now join those interstate compacts.
Bally’s Signs Deal for Live Dealer Games
As one might expect as the only legal operator in Rhode Island, Bally’s is already making plans to offer online gaming. This will look a little different in other states with “simulcast gaming” the only casino gaming allowed.
To meet those requirements, the company announced a key partnership with Stakelogic on July 12. The company is a leading live casino supplier and allows Bally’s to offer iGaming to Rhode Islanders. As part of their partnership, Bally’s will leverage Stakelogic’s software, casino gaming studio technology, and operational knowledge to launch Bally’s live casino in North America.
The agreement could include gaming options beyond Rhode Island. Stakelogic currently offers online gaming in the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, and numerous other countries. However, the agreement with Bally’s marks the company’s first entrance into the U.S. market.
“We are thrilled to partner with Stakelogic to bring our live casino operations online in Rhode Island,” Bally’s CEO Robeson Reeves said. “With a partner like Stakelogic, we know we are putting our best foot forward, and we are confident that we will be able to provide our Rhode Island customers with a truly exciting live dealer experience.”
Stakelogic offers iGaming in more than 20 markets. That includes two live casino studios in Europe, a portfolio of more than 250 slot games, and state-of-the-art live dealer technology, Bally’s noted in a news release. In Rhode Island, Bally’s intends to offer live casino games Bally’s including blackjack, roulette, and baccarat beginning in April 2024.
“We are very excited about our partnership with Bally’s as it will finally enable Stakelogic to bring its technology to the U.S.,” Stakelogic CEO Stephan van den Oetelaar said. “It will also enable us to build on our tremendous growth since launching live casino 14 months ago, positioning Stakelogic as a leading technology company in the iGaming industry.”
