A Controversial Re-Vote: Rhode Island's iGaming Age Limit Bill
Revote on bill in Rhode Island: Proposed legislation that would not penalize individuals under 21 for illegally participating in online gambling faces a potential reconsideration
A contentious debate has sprung up surrounding a revote on a bill proposed by the Rhode Island State Police, aiming to make iGaming illegal for those under the age of 21. This reconsideration, slated for a later date, follows the bill's initial defeat by the House Judiciary Committee on April 22, with a vote of 7-5[1].
The bill stirred up concerns because it could potentially punish 18- to 20-year-olds who gamble in Rhode Island casinos but find themselves with a criminal record for participating in online gaming without realizing they were breaking the law[2]. The ACLU of Rhode Island and the public defender's office voiced these concerns during an earlier hearing on the legislation, echoed by Rep. Cherie Cruz and others prior to the committee's decision to reject the bill[2].
The current gaming environment in Rhode Island is evolving, with various legislative initiatives underway to address and refine gaming regulations[3]. One such bill, Senate Bill 987, was introduced on April 16 and referred to the Senate Labor and Gaming Committee for further consideration[3]. As the conversation around age restrictions for iGaming continues, the outcome of this re-vote and the surrounding debate is worth watching closely.
[1] "Rhode Island - General Assembly. (2022, April 22). House Judiciary Committee. Retrieved April 25, 2022, from https://webserver.rilin.gov/BillText/BillText.aspx?BillId=18148&SessionType=G&Session=2022
[2] Katherine Gregg. (2022, April 23). Providence Journal. Retrieved April 25, 2022, from https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/politics/2022/04/23/kerfuffle-erupted-over-contested-plan-reconsider-bill-criminalize-igaming-anyone-under-age-21/7370145001/
[3] "Rhode Island - General Assembly. (2022). Senate Bill 987. Retrieved April 25, 2022, from https://webserver.rilin.gov/BillText/BillText.aspx?BillId=18205&SessionType=G&Session=2022
- The Rhode Island State Police are proposing to reconsider a policy-and-legislation that aims to criminalize iGaming for individuals under the age of 21, a move that could potentially create a kerfuffle due to concerns about the impact on 18- to 20-year-olds who gamble within the state's casinos.
- The bill, initially rejected by the House Judiciary Committee, has sparked discussions within the realm of politics, with the ACLU of Rhode Island, the public defender's office, Rep. Cherie Cruz, and others expressing concerns about potential criminalization of young adults unaware they were breaking iGaming laws.
- In view of this reconsideration, it's essential to closely monitor policy-and-legislation developments regarding iGaming in Rhode Island, particularly Senate Bill 987, which aims to refine gaming regulations currently evolving within the state.
- The politics surrounding the reconsideration of criminalizing iGaming for those under 21 will undoubtedly contribute to the general news landscape, remaining a topical issue of interest for both the gaming industry and the public alike.
