Bally’s officially launches iGaming in Rhode Island

Rhode Island has become the seventh US state to launch regulated iGaming after Bally’s Corporation officially rolled out its new online casino platform on March 5.

The Bally Casino Rhode Island iGaming platform went live at midday Tuesday, allowing players to play slots and table games anywhere in the state on desktop or on an iOS standalone mobile app.

The public launch of the online casino offering follows a four-day technical trial period from 1 March.

“We are pleased to launch this new gaming product which is borne out of our partnership with the General Assembly, Governor McKee and our regulators, the RI Department of Revenue, Division of Lottery, Department of Business Regulation and RI State Police to enhance state revenue and better position the State’s casinos in the competitive New England gaming market,” said Bally’s Rhode Island Operations president Craig Eaton.

“As with all gaming operations, the state will retain complete regulatory control of iGaming, with nearly 62 per cent of the slot revenue and 15 per cent of the table game revenue directed to the state.”

Bally’s has partnered with Stakelogic for live dealer and table games software and studio technology, while White Hat Gaming is providing the PAM iGaming platform and content.

An initial 170 slot games have gone live on the platform, alongside blackjack and roulette live dealer games delivered from a new 4,000 square foot live dealer studio at Bally’s casino in Lincoln.

The launch of iGaming in Rhode Island comes after legislation was signed into law by Governor Daniel McKee last June.

“I was proud to sponsor the legislation authorizing iGaming in Rhode Island, and I am excited for its implementation,” said Senate President Dominick Ruggerio. “iGaming will ensure that Rhode Island remains at the forefront of the competitive gaming industry, reinforcing a critical revenue stream for the state while providing an alternative form of entertainment.

“It builds upon other steps we have taken to better position Rhode Island in the gaming and hospitality industries, including a new partnership with CCRI to train Rhode Islanders for good paying, secure job opportunities in gaming and related areas of the hospitality industry.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives K. Joseph Shekarchi commented: “This is a wonderful example of how the Legislature and the private sector can work together to develop initiatives that enhance state revenues, which in turn, benefit our taxpayers.

“I congratulate Bally’s and its Rhode Island leadership team on its successful launch of this online gaming program as well as on their efforts to continuously seek ways to keep Rhode Island at the forefront in this competitive New England gaming market.”

When fully operational, Bally’s expects the iGaming program to create between 50 and 75 new jobs.

The program includes initiatives to support responsible gaming efforts, requiring Bally’s to provide at least $50,000 in funding for problem gambling prevention and at least $200,000 to fund gambling treatment programs.

Shares in Bally’s Corporation (NYSE:BALY) cllosed 4.51 per cent lower at $9.75 per share in New York Tuesday.