Redefines sports wagering sections specifically change the percent the host facilities receive on sports wagering.
Impact
This legislation will have a noticeable impact on state laws by allowing more flexibility in managing sports wagering and increasing the autonomy of sports-wagering vendors regarding operational decisions. Additionally, the bill sets provisions that require the division to establish rules that govern everything from marketing practices to ensuring responsible gaming. The changes are expected to enhance the gaming experience while also addressing gambling-related issues through established compulsive gambling treatment programs.
Summary
S3118, introduced by Senators Ciccone, Burke, and Famiglietti, proposes significant amendments to the laws governing sports wagering in Rhode Island. The bill aims to redefine sections that pertain to how sports wagering revenue is allocated between the state, authorized vendors, and host facilities. Specifically, while the initial allocation percentages favor the state and authorized vendors, the bill delineates how revenues will be shared in the future, ensuring that the state receives a smaller percentage of revenue after it meets a certain revenue threshold for fiscal year 2025.
Contention
Notably, the bill's introduction has sparked discussions regarding revenue sharing and regulatory authority. Supporters believe that the bill's provisions are essential for optimizing revenue from sports wagering and maintaining operational efficiency. However, opponents express concerns that this could lead to lowered contributions to the state from gambling revenues in the long term, potentially jeopardizing funds that support public services. This tension reflects the broader debate over the balancing of state interests with those of gaming operators and the necessity of robust consumer protection standards.
On 7/1/2026, renewal of any existing sports wagering vendor contract by state lottery ceases. Prior to expiration, the lottery shall invite vendors to submit applications for sports wagering awarding not less than 2 but not more than 5 contracts.
Effective 7/1/2026, the state lottery division of gaming stops renewing any existing sports wagering vendor contract. Prior to the expiration of any existing contracts the division shall issue an open invitation for applicants for sports wagering vendors.
Allows the two (2) gaming facilities in the state to livestream images of gaming-related activities to one or more external jurisdictions for the purpose of facilitating external game play activities in external jurisdictions where gaming is permitted.
Allows the two (2) gaming facilities in the state to livestream images of gaming-related activities to one or more external jurisdictions for the purpose of facilitating external game play activities in external jurisdictions where gaming is permitted.
Restates the UTGR Master Contract and the Twin River-Tiverton Master Contract and would consolidate the marketing program of each into the Consolidated Marketing Program.
This act would repeal the exemption granted to pari mutual facilities and casinos from the smoke free workplace requirement contained in the Public Health and Workplace Safety Act.
Repeals the exemption granted to pari-mutuel facilities and casinos from the smoke free workplace requirement and provides for a one time appropriate of $1,000,000 to inform patrons of the smoke free policy within the casino.