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Lawmakers in Rhode Island have approved the implementation of online registration for individuals interested in sports betting.
The legislation is currently under review by Gov. Gina Raimondo. If approved, it would remove the existing mandate of registering in person at Twin River Casinos in Lincoln and Tiverton.
During a global pandemic, bettors can enjoy the convenience of registering to place bets from the comfort of their own homes, thereby avoiding crowded casinos.
Lawmakers hope to make up lost ground
The push to enable online registration for bettors has been primarily driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, the state offers only a single mobile sportsbook.
Lawmakers are of the opinion that the state has limited itself by not providing the option for gamblers to register new accounts from the comfort of their own homes.
Senate President Dominick Ruggerio stated that making this responsible move would contribute to mitigating some of the revenue losses the state has faced during the pandemic.
Supporting public services is crucial, and both gaming and the lottery serve as the state’s third-largest revenue stream. Therefore, any safe measures we can take to compensate for the revenue loss will greatly contribute to their sustainability.
Both SB 2919 and HB 8097, sponsored by Ruggiero and Mattiello respectively, garnered widespread support, indicating a high probability of Raimondo’s approval.
Mattiello highlighted the fact that our mobile sports wagering app offers a more convenient option for entertainment, allowing individuals to participate in the comfort and safety of their own homes.
Lawmakers hope for best with increased access
When Rhode Island legalized online sports betting in 2019, a requirement for in-person signup was introduced.
The main purpose was to heighten security measures by restricting registration exclusively to the state’s two casinos. Subsequently, both casinos resumed operations in early June, accommodating only 25% of their total capacity.
It is widely believed that the use of geolocation technology by numerous states throughout the country renders security concerns irrelevant.
According to the two prominent Democrats, the restrictions on signups have resulted in reduced revenues during the pandemic and forced individuals to participate in social environments that may cause discomfort.
According to data from Legal Sports Report, Rhode Island’s sports betting revenue experienced a significant decline from $1.18 million in February to slightly above $13,000 in April.
In May, state revenue experienced a modest increase, just surpassing $83,000.
Following Raimondo’s approval, the website emphasized that there were still 14,000 sports betting accounts awaiting registration at a Rhode Island casino. These accounts would now have the opportunity to register remotely.
Mattiello stated that the program has adequate security measures and safeguards in place to ensure that users are betting from within Rhode Island and following the state’s laws. By doing so, they can eliminate the need for in-person signups without compromising anything.
The timing of this event aligns with both Major League Baseball’s Opening Day on Thursday and the upcoming restart of the National Basketball Association next week.
It is probable that both factors will result in an increase in sports betting activities in Rhode Island.
Despite confidence, questions remain on mobile registration
Rhode Island’s sports betting industry has faced various other constraints.
This encompasses the inherent restrictions of having only one online sportsbook in operation, as popular sportsbook giants such as DraftKings, FanDuel Massachusetts, BetMGM, and others have not yet entered the state.
Furthermore, other states that have implemented lottery-operated sports betting operations, similar to Rhode Island’s, have encountered various challenges. These challenges have encompassed complications with the introduction of mobile applications that incorporate geofencing technology, as well as challenges with player registration and verification processes.
The bill has faced opposition from Republicans who have raised concerns about the legality of expanding the state’s sports betting industry without obtaining voter approval. Some lawmakers have even questioned the matter’s validity before the state Supreme Court.
Although remote registration would benefit both bettors and Rhode Island’s financial situation, it is a topic that continues to be discussed.
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