2022 -- H 7424

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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

     

     Introduced By: Representatives O'Brien, Alzate, Cardillo, Kazarian, Hawkins, and
Caldwell

     Date Introduced: February 09, 2022

     Referred To: House State Government & Elections

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Section 42-61.2-14 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-61.2 entitled "Video

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Lottery Games, Table Games and Sports Wagering" is hereby amended to read as follows:

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     42-61.2-14. Compulsive and problem gambling programs.

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     The Division and the state acknowledge that the vast majority of gaming patrons can enjoy

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gambling games responsibly, but that there are certain societal costs associated with gaming by

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some individuals who have problems handling the product or services provided. The Division and

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the State further understand that it is their duty to act responsibly toward those who cannot

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participate conscientiously in gaming. Pursuant to the foregoing, Twin River and Twin River-

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Tiverton, in cooperation with the State, shall offer compulsive and problem gambling programs

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that include, but are not limited to (a) Problem gambling awareness programs for employees; (b)

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Player self-exclusion program; and (c) Promotion of a problem gambling hotline. Twin River and

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Twin River-Tiverton shall modify their existing compulsive and problem-gambling programs to

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include table games and sports wagering to the extent such games are authorized at such facilities.

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Twin River and Twin River-Tiverton shall reimburse and pay to the Division no less than two

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hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) in aggregate annually for compulsive and problem gambling

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programs established by the Division. The contribution from each facility shall be determined by

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the Division. A person who is prohibited from gaming in a gaming establishment due to the player

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self-exclusion program shall not collect any winnings or recover losses arising as a result of

 

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prohibited gaming activity by said person. Winnings from self-excluded person, after the deduction

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of taxes and other applicable withholdings, shall be forfeited to the division. The division shall

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forward such forfeited winnings, up to one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) per year to

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the Rhode Island Council on problem gambling for its use for research, education and prevention

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of teenage gambling addiction, with the balance to be transferred by the division to the general

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fund.

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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

***

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     This act would provide procedures to prevent gaming patrons prohibited from gaming in a

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gaming establishment from collecting winnings, or recovering losses and would provide that any

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winnings achieved, after taxes, be forfeited to the division with the forfeited winnings being

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forwarded to the Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling up to $150,000.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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