2022 -- H 7222

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LC004144

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- VIDEO LOTTERY GAMES,

TABLE GAMES AND SPORTS WAGERING--THE RHODE ISLAND CONSUMER

PROTECTION GAMING ACT

     

     Introduced By: Representatives McNamara, and Potter

     Date Introduced: January 26, 2022

     Referred To: House State Government & Elections

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 42-61.2 of the General Laws entitled "Video Lottery Games, Table

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Games and Sports Wagering" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     42-61.2-17. Prohibition on use of certain technology with video-lottery terminals.

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     (a) As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings unless

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the context clearly requires otherwise:

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     (1) "Algorithm" means a specific procedure, set of rules, or order of operations designed

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to solve a problem or make a calculation, classification, or recommendation.

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     (2) "Artificial intelligence" means computerized methods and tools, including, but not

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limited to, machine learning and natural language processing, that act in a way that resembles

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human cognitive abilities when it comes to solving problems or performing certain tasks.

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     (3) "Automated decision system" means any computer program, method, statistical model,

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or process that aims to aid or replace human decision-making using algorithms or artificial

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intelligence. These systems can include analyzing complex datasets about human populations and

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government services or other activities to generate scores, predictions, classifications, or

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recommendations used by agencies to make decisions that impact human welfare.

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     (4) "Biometric recognition" means the automated recognition and identification of an

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individual based on the individual's biological and behavioral traits. Examples of ways to

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implement biometric recognition include, but are not limited to, fingerprint mapping, facial

 

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recognition, iris scans, and software to recognize and identify a person based on the person's palm

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print, retina, hand geometry, voice, signature, and gait.

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     (5) "Gaming consumer" means a person engaged in playing a state-sanctioned game of

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chance or state gaming operation pursuant to this chapter, including, but not limited to, video lottery

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games, table games and sports wagering.

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     (b) Prohibition in use of facial recognition technology or biometric recognition program.

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No video-lottery terminal installed and operated at the facilities of pari-mutuel licensees in the state

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or online betting applications shall use facial recognition technology or biometric recognition

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programs.

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     (c) Specific limitations. The following use of automated decision systems and algorithmic

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operations that may affect gaming outcomes are prohibited:

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     (1) The use of algorithmic programs that use a gaming consumer's previous betting history

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to modify prospective programs in order to reinforce and increase the amount waged based on the

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experience of a specific gaming consumer; and

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     (2) The use of artificial intelligence or an automated decision system to condition a gaming

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consumer or attempt to promote increased play through the use of intermittent reinforcement based

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upon modern cognitive-behavioral algorithms and data collected from previous gaming

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engagement by a gaming consumer.

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     (d) The provisions contained in this section shall also apply to all sports betting

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applications, including the use of computerized technology in a devise separate from but connected

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to or otherwise controlling a video-lottery terminal, and to vendors of gambling products licensed

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by the State of Rhode Island.

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     (e) Standardized rewards programs shall be excluded from the provisions of this section.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- VIDEO LOTTERY GAMES,

TABLE GAMES AND SPORTS WAGERING--THE RHODE ISLAND CONSUMER

PROTECTION GAMING ACT

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     This act would prohibit the use of facial recognition technology and biometric recognition

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technology in video-lottery terminals at pari-mutuel licensees in the state or in online betting

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applications. This act would also prohibit the use of certain other technologies in state gaming

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operations. The prohibition would not apply to standardized rewards programs.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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