In addition to the Casino Gaming Acts, Rhode Island’s General Assembly also passed the 2018 Sports Wagering Legislation and the 2019 Online Sports Wagering Legislation (collectively, the Sports Wagering Acts). Each act of legislation (collectively titled the Casino Gaming Acts) received the requisite number of votes and went into effect. In 20, legislation was passed that authorized “state-operated casino gaming” at Twin River-Lincoln Casino and Tiverton Casino Hotel (also owned by Twin River), respectively. Approximately 20 years later, this constitutional provision was amended to further restrict gambling by requiring a vote on any new gambling locations as well.Įven with the state’s constitutional mechanism in place, the Rhode Island General Assembly expanded gambling, in two, separate ways. In addition, the provision stated that a majority of voters in the particular municipality must approve the legislation via a local referendum. Under the state’s new constitutional provision, article 6, section 22, a majority of “electors voting in a statewide referendum” must authorize any new type, or types, of gambling. In November 1994, the voters of Rhode Island approved a constitutional provision designed to restrict gambling within the state.
