Chavdar Vasilev is a gambling news writer with several years of experience in the iGaming industry. He started creating promotional content but soon found he loved reporting on the industry itself. Since then, he’s delivered...
Read Full BioRhode Island has passed a new law allowing its two retail casinos to live stream casino games beyond state borders, including internationally, where permitted by law.
Senate Bill 1017, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone, aims to keep jobs and gaming revenue within the state. At the same time, positioning Rhode Island as a hub for live streaming casino games.
However, a critical question remains: who can Rhode Island stream to?
Most iGaming States Require In-State Studios
Currently, most states that allow live dealer online casino games require the games to be streamed from studios located within their state borders. Those states include New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Connecticut.
That requirement aims to create local jobs while ensuring regulatory oversight. For example, Evolution operates studios in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and inside the Mohegan Sun casino in Connecticut.
The two states that do not require in-state studios are West Virginia and Delaware. The Mountain State streams from Pennsylvania, while Delaware streams from New Jersey.
As the two have already established relationships and existing setups, it’s unlikely that they seek new out-of-state partners.
Where Will Rhode Island Find Streaming Partners?
While Rhode Island can now stream live dealer games beyond state lines, it’s unknown whether Delaware or West Virginia casinos will be interested. If the state gets Evolution, the global leader in live dealer casino games, involved, there could be a better chance.
Evolution recently entered Rhode Island through a partnership with Bally Casino. However, that deal includes only slots, not live dealer games.
Still, if the partnership expands to live dealer games and the cost to stream is reduced compared to other setups, Rhode Island could successfully partner with Delaware or West Virginia online casinos.
It’s also important to note that the new law permits international streaming to markets where the law allows it. Unlike the US, many countries do not require casino game streaming to be within their borders.
However, entering these markets will require local licensing, partnerships, and compliance with each country’s gaming laws. Evolution’s global presence could simplify this expansion if it begins operating live dealer studios in Rhode Island.
Ciccone Also Attempted to Change RI’s Sports Betting Model
While Senator Ciccone’s effort to expand virtual gaming was successful, his separate proposal to reform Rhode Island’s sports betting system failed last month.
Earlier this year, the Senate Majority Leader introduced legislation to expand the current one-operator system to a multi-license system with up to five operators. That effort aligned with a Spectrum Gaming Group report that recommended Rhode Island expand to up to six operators.
The Senate passed Ciccone’s bill, SB 748, with a 30-3 vote in early June. However, once it reached the House, it never received a committee hearing.
The lack of action was unsurprising to many. In May, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi indicated that he won’t discuss market expansion in 2025. The House Speaker’s refusal is because the contract of IGT, the operator of Sportsbook Rhode Island, does not expire until next year.
