Rhode Island considers online gambling

A politician from Rhode Island said that the state is considering the legalisation of online gambling.

William Conley, Finance Chairman of the Rhode Island State Senate announced during a WPRI TV interview that the state is considering allowing the legalisation of online gambling if New Jersey wins the Supreme Court case that challenges the PASPA Act.

Conley said that the state’s rights will succeed once the Supreme Court reveals its decision regarding the lift of the sports betting prohibition on a federal level in the spring or summer. The chairman believes that a positive outcome would give Rhode Island a lucrative chance to explore online gambling.

“I do think that the Senate President thinks that that’s something that we should look at seriously and that it could bring in revenue.. It wouldn’t be impossible to get a piece of legislation through this session if the Supreme Court rules that the states have the ability to do it,” he said.

Whilst Rhode Island has always been in favor of gambling, as it offers casino, lottery, parimutuel betting, and video lottery terminals services, neighboring states like Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware offer online gambling, making the competition in the area significantly higher.

Other states in the area like Maryland, Connecticut, Vermont and Washington would also consider online gambling if New Jersey wins the case, therefore the market would be even more competitive, leaving Rhode Island no choice but to participate in the discussions and consider economic benefits.