A controversial Rhode Island proposal to impose criminal penalties on online gamblers aged 18 to 20 is back in play after a committee vote saw it advance to the House floor
A week after the House Committee on Judiciary voted down a proposal from the Rhode Island State Police to make online gambling a misdemeanor for individuals under 21, the same legislation has made a surprising comeback.
Second Bill Review on the Chamber’s Floor
The bill, which seeks to amend the state’s 2023 iGaming law, is now set to be debated on the chamber’s floor after a second review.
On Tuesday, the committee voted 10-5 in favor of advancing the bill with no debate, revisiting a proposal that had previously failed in late April.
The bill, championed by Rep. Gregory Costantino of Lincoln, seeks to impose penalties on anyone between the ages of 18 and 20 who participates in online gambling. Those found in violation would face up to a year in prison and a $1,000 fine.
Bally’s Corp. operates the state’s only iGaming app and manages Rhode Island’s two casinos. Since the state legalized online gaming in 2023, lawmakers have been concerned about high school-aged individuals becoming addicted to virtual casinos, which led to the original age restriction.
“Not Unheard of for a Bill to Be Revisited”
Though initially rejected in April with a 7-5 vote, the proposal found new life when Rep. Jason Knight, who voted against the bill previously, motioned to reconsider the decision.
“It’s not unheard of for a bill to be revisited,” Knight told Rhode Island Current after the vote. In total, five bills have been reconsidered this year, including this one.
Several committee members changed their positions, including Rep. Julie Casimiro and Rep. Marie Hopkins, who shifted their votes to support the bill.
Knight, who explained the aim was to reach a compromise, remarked, “We’re looking for a way to get to a bill that wants to accomplish what it wants to policywise while addressing some of the objections.”
However, not everyone is on board with the legislation. Rep. Cherie Cruz of Pawtucket expressed frustration that the bill was advancing without further discussion.
“I just wanted to ask a question,” she explained. Some members, like Cruz, believe civil fines for underage gambling might be a better alternative, similar to penalties for underage drinking or smoking.
Knight disagreed, stating, “We’re not talking about cannabis, alcohol, or tobacco. We’re talking about gambling — it’s a different public policy question.”
While the bill is now heading to the floor for a full vote, an official date for the vote has yet to be set. In the Senate, companion legislation is being handled by Sen. Frank Ciccone, with the Senate Committee on Gaming and Labor opting to hold the bill for further study.
