Rhode Islanders now have access to online casinos as live-dealer iGaming launched in the New England state on Tuesday.
Rhode Island joined Connecticut, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware, and Michigan as the only U.S. states to operate online casinos.
This one comes with a catch: Bally’s Twin River Casino spent $5 million to create a studio that broadcasts live games with dealers that residents can play on their mobile devices.
The studio sits inside the casino where slot machines used to be located, and there are no other iGaming offerings in the Ocean State.
Skirting the law
Fighting to keep gambling revenue from leaking to other states like Massachusetts, which offers in-person casinos, and Connecticut, Ocean State lawmakers legalized online casinos last summer.
Originally, the Ocean State wanted to offer entirely virtual iGaming, but it likely would’ve had to have been approved by voters based on the state’s constitution, according to The Providence Journal.
The live-dealer simulcast skirted the issue.
Shuffle up and deal
U.S. online casinos, of which Bally's now slots within, offer live blackjack, roulette, and 170 slot games. Live baccarat will be added later.
Rhode Islanders must be 21 years of age to partake in online casinos. The age to enter in-person casinos is 18, but lawmakers raised it to combat problem gambling.
With a tax rate of 61% for slot machines and 15.5% for table games, state officials are reportedly expecting iGaming to produce $25 million in revenue for Rhode Island next year.
The Ocean State offers online and retail sports betting through one provider, IGT.
