Available on desktop and iOS, Bally’s went live in the state on March 5 following a four-day technical trial period that began on March 1. 

Craig Eaton, President of Bally’s Rhode Island Operations, stated: “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.

“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 is also utilising its partnership with Stakelogic, providing its live dealer and table games software and studio technology in the state. Initially, approximately 170 slot games will be offered, including digital alternatives to popular retail casino games, 

In addition, the operator will have live dealer blackjack and roulette table games in operation from its 4,000 square foot live dealer table games studio at the Bally’s Twin River Lincoln casino, creating 50 to 75 full and part-time jobs.

Responsible gaming tools will also be available to players on Bally’s online casino platform, including deposit limits, session limits, spend/wager limits, cool-off/time out and self-exclusion.

Bally’s is required to provide at least $50,000 in funding for problem gambling prevention and at least $200,000 to fund gambling treatment programs. It is also committed to the American Gaming Association’s code of conduct rollout as a minimum standard.

Rhode Island is the seventh state in the US to offer igaming, joining New Jersey, Connecticut, Michigan, Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Customers must be at least 21 years old to play and physically located in the state.

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Represented by General Teamsters Local Union 251, workers at the casino have not been recalled back to their jobs to date after a long layoff, despite restrictions being lifted and the Twin River’s gaming revenue and guest capacity being increased proportionally. 

Matthew Taibi, principal officer of Local 251, sees the gamesmanship with working conditions at Twin Rivers as damaging.

“It’s unfortunate that corporate profits are being prioritised before people, which Twin River has clearly demonstrated by its actions so far by not returning its valuable workers back to their previous positions,” said Taibi. “The fact that working Americans here in Rhode Island are having their surplus labor value ignored is disgusting. They’re betting against the house.

“Our members at Twin River are fully capable, willing, and qualified to return to their positions immediately. They have always provided exceptional customer service to guests who visit the casino from all over New England. It is time for Twin River to recall them to work.”

Teamsters Local 251 represents over 6,300 workers in a wide variety of industries throughout Rhode Island.

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A report shows that out of a total 7,834 individuals to have activated mobile sports betting accounts, only 6,425 users have actually put money into them. With a population of just over one million residents, it shows that there is a significant amount of work to be done should the region maximise the appeal of sports betting to reflect that of its near neighbour New Jersey.

It was explained: “According to a recent report by CBS affiliate WPRI in Providence, over 17,000 people had registered for online betting as of December 2, but less than half of those people had physically visited one of the two Rhode Island casinos to activate their accounts.

“That same report suggests Twin River will soon launch an initiative to help encourage bettors to activate those unused online accounts. But with more nearby states likely set to launch their own sports betting programs over the coming months – including New Hampshire, which launched its own mobile betting app that doesn’t require a clunky and disruptive in-person registration process – it probably behooves Rhode Island lawmakers to revisit the topic altogether.”

Latest figures published by the Rhode Island Lottery showed handle at Twin River Casino of $18.9m for November, up from $18.3m a month earlier, with revenue of $1.8m as opposed to $1.6m. 

Fellow Twin River Worldwide Holdings property Tiverton Casino Hotel took $4.2m in November handle compared to $4m in October, with revenue finished at $404,571 (2018: $349,607).

Online also showed growth, with November handle of $8.3m contrasted to $5.8m in October, as revenue rose to $404,571 from $349,607.

All figures combined show that Rhode Island’s two casinos generated handle of $31.4m during November, up from $28.2m, with revenue $2.7m, increasing from $2.4m.

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1

FanDuel is to debut its first sportsbook in the state of Pennsylvania, as the group teams with Boyd Gaming to announce its grand opening at the Valley Forge Casino Resort.

Located in Montgomery County, in close proximity to Philadelphia, the FanDuel Sportsbook opened to the public last week, with Brent Celek, former Tight End of the Philadelphia Eagles, placing the ceremonial first bet following the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Within the new offering seven teller windows are to be feature, alongside 29 video displays, two sports tickers and seating for more than 30 customers.

FanDuel will provide its risk and trading platform, in addition to managing the location in partnership with Boyd  and Valley Forge Casino Resort.

3

Gauselmann Group has announced an investment in a trio of Germany based casinos, as the company stresses that a “decision to enter the casino segment proved to be the right one”.

The Espelkamp, Eastern Westphalia, headquartered gaming and gambling organisation has expanding its involvement in the casino segment through Gauselmann Spielbanken Beteiligungs, which has acquired a stake in land-based properties in Mainz, Trier and Bad Ems Espelkamp.

Done so via investment in Spielbank Mainz and in its general partner Spielbank Mainz Beteiligung, the three properties currently employ in the region of 150 staff, and hold a licence to operate until 31 March 2027, which can also be extended once by a maximum of five years.

Furthermore, as well as the three aforementioned casino locations, there are a further three entity’s in Rhineland Palatinate that do not form part of the investment.

51

The Rhode Island General Assembly has approved legislation introduced by its president Dominick Ruggerio and speaker of the house Nicholas Mattiello, that would permit mobile sports wagering through the state’s Twin River Casino and Tiverton Casino Hotel, also a Twin River property.

Now moving along to governor Gina Raimondo’s office, who needs the sign the measure into law, it would see the creation of an app, that consumers could utilise to access the relevant offerings at Twin River, from within state parameters.

Individuals would be required to set up accounts in person at the property, after which they could place a wager from anywhere within the Ocean State, with geolocation technology to ascertain that users are physically within bounds.

If permitted into law The State of Rhode Island would continue to receive 51 per cent of all winnings from the activity, which is amongst the highest rates in the country.

2

The Malta Gaming Authority has cancelled the gaming licenses of both Triton Gaming and Neptune Entertainment, who in-turn must cease all operations.

Being removed with immediate effect, licence removal also applies to websites associated with each entity, which must also shut down operations as a result.

In two press releases issued concerning each ruling, it was stressed that each party “has thus been directed to proceed with the cancellation process of the authorisation, and to suspend all gaming operations with immediate effect. In addition, a notice on the Authorised Person’s website/s is to be displayed informing all players that the authorisation has been cancelled.”

Consumers concerned with outstanding payments are asked to contact the regulator, submitting full name, address, date of birth, copy of passport or ID card, telephone number, description of product used, user name associated with the casino or sportsbook and a screenshot of their balance or any pending cashouts.

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Seeing its common stock listed today and beginning trading under the ticker symbol ‘TRWH,’ the organisation has stressed “a clear focus on building sustainable shareholder value”.

George Papanier, Twin River’s chief executive officer, commented: “Dover Downs is a great fit for Twin River. We see a lot to build on and look forward to working with the Dover Downs team to realise the strategic benefits of the transaction.”

Earlier this week Dover Downs shareholders gave the required vote to approve the deal at a special meeting, which saw in excess of 99 per cent of the votes cast done so in favour, and a majority of the minority also giving approval.

It’s not the only significant development Twin River has seen this week though, with the organisation also seeing its flagship Twin River Casino property, alongside the Tiverton Casino Hotel, become central to Rhode Island’s mobile wagering plans.

The measure would see the creation of an app, that consumers could utilise to access the relevant offerings at Twin River, from within state parameters.

John Taylor, Twin River executive chairman, said of the completion: “Our management team has done a great job diversifying our revenue base and creating sustainable growth. The Dover Downs acquisition and New York Stock Exchange listing mark the beginning of a new chapter for us by adding to our geographic base, providing us currency for strategic steps and eventually leading to liquidity for stockholders.”

Adding at the time of the deal first being announced: “We’ve been focused on growing the overall business for some time now as a means to create greater shareholder value, expand our geographic footprint to achieve financial economies and strengthen our financial position.

“This merger should well position us to achieve all three objectives in a context in which existing shareholders of Twin River who desire it could obtain liquidity.

“We’re grateful for the strong partnership we enjoy with the State of Rhode Island at our flagship property, and we look forward to working equally effectively with the State of Delaware in maximising the potential of Dover Downs.”

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Receiving the required vote to approve the merger at a special meeting, which saw in excess of 99 per cent of the votes cast in favour of the merger, and a majority of the minority of also giving approval, both parties expect to close the transaction tomorrow (Thursday 28 March 2019).

Upon completion Dover Downs will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Twin River, with Delaware’s Dover Downs Hotel and Casino joining a portfolio that includes it flagship Twin River Casino alongside the Tiverton Casino Hotel in Rhode Island, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi and Colorado racetrack Arapahoe Park, situated in Aurora.

Furthermore, following the deal, Delaware State News reports that Denis McGlynn, president and CEO of Dover Downs Gaming and Entertainment, has stated that Ed Sutor, president and CEO of Dover Downs, is to retire.

Rhode Island governor Gina Raimondo yesterday added her signature to legislation that would permit mobile sports wagering, which would see Rhode Island’s Twin River duo become central to plans.

The measure would see the creation of an app, that consumers could utilise to access the relevant offerings at Twin River, from within state parameters.

Addressing the Dover Downs merger, John Taylor, Twin River executive chairman, explained at the time that the first announcement was made:  “We’re excited about the many benefits we believe we will realise from the combination. Dover Downs and its team are experienced in not only brick and mortar casino operations, but in sports betting, which we think will be helpful as we introduce that amenity at our properties, and in the online gaming sector which continues to evolve nationwide.

“Equally important, we see real opportunities to grow the Dover Downs business through investment in its people and facilities, similar to what we have achieved with our other assets over the past several years.

“We’ve been focused on growing the overall business for some time now as a means to create greater shareholder value, expand our geographic footprint to achieve financial economies and strengthen our financial position.

“This merger should well position us to achieve all three objectives in a context in which existing shareholders of Twin River who desire it could obtain liquidity.

“We’re grateful for the strong partnership we enjoy with the State of Rhode Island at our flagship property, and we look forward to working equally effectively with the State of Delaware in maximising the potential of Dover Downs.”

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Coming less than a year after two retail sportsbooks launched in the state, which sees Rhode Island as the only jurisdiction in New England to have legalised the activity, a significant spike was reported earlier in the year as the NFL’s Patriots successfully marched to Super Bowl glory.

Currently only permitting bets at the region’s two Twin River properties, Lincoln’s Twin River Casino and the Tiverton Casino Hotel, this green-light is to see sports betting added to the lottery run operation.

Earlier estimates place launch in November at the latest, with Rhode Island set to continue to receive 51 per cent of all winnings from the activity, which is amongst the highest rates in the country.

The measure is to see the creation of an app, that consumers could utilise to access the relevant offerings at Twin River, from within state parameters.

Individuals would be required to set up accounts in person at either property, after which they could place a wager from anywhere within the Ocean State, with geolocation technology to ascertain that users are physically within bounds.

Signing of the bill was widely expected, with, as reported by the Boston Herald, Raimondo’s proposed budget for the fiscal year that commences on July 1 containing a contingency of $30m from sports betting, including $3m in new revenue from the mobile activity.

Proposals were brought by Democratic senate president Dominick Ruggerio and Democratic house speaker Nicholas Mattiello, who were seeking added revenue coupled with more convenient sports betting.

Ruggerio said of the importance that the legislation proceeds: “The new in-person sportsbook that opened in November has been very popular, with lines sometimes stretching out the doors.

“It is an entertainment option that many Rhode Islanders enjoy, and visitors from outside the state are also flocking to our gaming facilities to place their wagers on sporting events.

“Expanding to mobile gaming would provide a convenient option for those wishing to enjoy this form of entertainment, and open up the economic benefits beyond the walls of Twin River.

“I can envision a group of friends from out-of-state spending an evening out in a local establishment, where they can both watch the game and place a wager.”

Mattiello added: “This revenue, along with the revenue we anticipate from an expansion to mobile gaming, is a tremendous benefit to the state.

“It’s an added benefit that we can capture revenue that would have otherwise gone to an illegal market. When you consider that up to 97 percent of sports wagering is done illegally, it makes good sense for the state to increase its revenue by providing an entertainment that can be done safely and legally.”

The post Gina Raimondo signs Rhode Island mobile wagering bill appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Now moving along to governor Gina Raimondo’s office, who needs the sign the measure into law, it would see the creation of an app, that consumers could utilise to access the relevant offerings at Twin River, from within state parameters.

Individuals would be required to set up accounts in person at the property, after which they could place a wager from anywhere within the Ocean State, with geolocation technology to ascertain that users are physically within bounds.

Mattiello addressed the development: “This revenue, along with the revenue we anticipate from an expansion to mobile gaming, is a tremendous benefit to the state.

“It’s an added benefit that we can capture revenue that would have otherwise gone to an illegal market. When you consider that up to 97 percent of sports wagering is done illegally, it makes good sense for the state to increase its revenue by providing an entertainment that can be done safely and legally.”

If permitted into law The State of Rhode Island would continue to receive 51 per cent of all winnings from the activity, which is amongst the highest rates in the country.

Similar to other states, such as New Jersey, wagering is received upon a server-based gaming system located on the premises of the casinos, and therefore deemed to be placed and accepted at the casino

Ruggerio said when first introducing the legislation: “The new in-person sportsbook that opened in November has been very popular, with lines sometimes stretching out the doors.

“It is an entertainment option that many Rhode Islanders enjoy, and visitors from outside the state are also flocking to our gaming facilities to place their wagers on sporting events.

“Expanding to mobile gaming would provide a convenient option for those wishing to enjoy this form of entertainment, and open up the economic benefits beyond the walls of Twin River.

“I can envision a group of friends from out-of-state spending an evening out in a local establishment where they can both watch the game and place a wager.”

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Allowing the activity through Lincoln’s Twin River Casino and the Tiverton Casino Hotel, the state would continue to receive 51 per cent of all winnings from sports wagering, among the highest rates in the country.

The legislation would work via the creation of an app that consumers would use to access the Twin River offerings from within state parameters, with individuals having to first set up an account in person at the property.

Users would have be physically in Rhode Island to wager, with technology to be utilised to determine the location of any person partaking in the activity, which would not accept wagers from outside of the state’s boundaries.

Ruggerio explained: “The new in-person sportsbook that opened in November has been very popular, with lines sometimes stretching out the doors.

“It is an entertainment option that many Rhode Islanders enjoy, and visitors from outside the state are also flocking to our gaming facilities to place their wagers on sporting events.

“Revenue from sports gaming supports critical state services”

“Expanding to mobile gaming would provide a convenient option for those wishing to enjoy this form of entertainment, and open up the economic benefits beyond the walls of Twin River.

“I can envision a group of friends from out-of-state spending an evening out in a local establishment, where they can both watch the game and place a wager.”

Similar to other states, such as New Jersey, wagering is received upon a server-based gaming system located on the premises of the casinos, and therefore deemed to be placed and accepted at the casino.

Ruggerio added: “Revenue from sports gaming supports critical state services, like road and bridge repairs, education and human services. This revenue offsets reliance on taxes for state needs.

“It is estimated that 97 per cent of sports betting takes place illegally. This is an opportunity to give Rhode Islanders and visitors a legal avenue to participate in an activity they enjoy, while providing a very tangible benefit to our state.”

Legislation 2019-S 0037A now moves to the House of Representatives, where a similar example has been introduced by Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello.

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Just last week the MLB aligned itself with casino giant MGM Resorts, a day after Boston’s home state of Massachusetts saw its Rhode Island neighbour begin its own sports betting journey, with Lincoln’s Twin River Casino debuting the Ocean State’s activity.

Despite not yet being formally legalised within Massachusetts, the MLB’s deal with MGM, who recently opened its Springfield Hotel and Casino in the region, does not prevent team’s from striking their further deals of their own, with Wynn Resorts also trying to clear the final regulatory hurdles regarding its Encore Boston Harbor project.

The possibilities of increased revenues could come in many guises, but Kennedy believes that benefit could well play second fiddle: “Yes, there will be a positive revenue impact for the team – how much I don’t know – but that is absolutely secondary in my opinion to the (increased) engagement, to people following, paying attention, being engaged with the Boston Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins and Celtics as a result of betting on that sport and betting on in-game activities.”

With such a vast offering, encapsulating 2,430 MLB games between April and September, adding up to more than 7,300 hours of live programming, Kennedy emphasised the need for a regulated market to eradicate the problem of such an overwhelming illegal market: “It’s more overall interest in watching games, being connected to the game. What’s going to happen between a pitcher a batter at this very moment, what will this outcome be – you can see in the future where that all can happen very fast in real time.

“If there’s a game that’s 10-1 in the seventh inning, people might tune out but the thought is now that you’ll stay in, watching, because you’re engaging in betting on the outcome of what may happen.

“That’s happening today, it’s just in illegal fashion with non-licensed, non-regulated betting providers – off-shore or in other countries. The regulation is important, there is nothing more important to the commissioner and the leagues than the integrity of the game. Players, front office members will not be allowed to engage in these activities. The general public will.”

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