The Rhode Island Senate passed a bill that would provide problem and compulsive gambling programs to be run through the State Lottery Division.
The legislation, which passed the Senate on a 35-0 vote, would require Rhode Island’s two casinos, Bally’s Tiverton and Bally’s Twin River Lincoln, to contribute at least $200,000 annually to the programs, which would include a self-exclusion program and training for casino employees to help them recognize problem gambling.
The bill was sent to the House, where it was slated for debate May 31 by the Committee on State Government and Elections. It is unclear when the full House will vote on the measure.
In the opening of the bill draft, its intent is stated, “The division and the state acknowledge that the vast majority of gaming patrons can enjoy gambling games responsibly, but that there are certain societal costs associated with gaming by some individuals who have problems handling the product or services provided.”
“This act would establish a player’s self-exclusion program within the State Lottery Division,” Senator Frank Ciccone III, the bill’s sponsor, said on the Senate floor before the vote was taken.
An amendment to the bill would prohibit players enrolled in a self-exclusion program from collecting winnings or recovering losses from gambling activities. Ciccone said the amendment is “aimed at addressing compulsive and problem gambling and achieves the conceptual goals … whereby any forfeited funds would be reinvested towards the important work of preventing gambling addiction.” The bill would divert the winnings of any excluded person to the Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling.
Proceeds also could benefit the promotion of a problem gambling hotline.
