House panel reconsiders, approves bill to make underage online gambling a misdemeanor

Yahoo! News - Apr 30th, 2025
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The Rhode Island House Committee on Judiciary has reversed its decision on a bill to criminalize online gambling for those under 21. Initially rejected, the proposal, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Gregory Costantino, aims to amend the state's 2023 iGaming law by imposing penalties including up to one year in prison and a $1,000 fine for offenders aged 18 to 20. The committee, without debate, advanced the bill to the House floor with a 10-5 vote after a motion by Rep. Jason Knight, who changed his vote to support the measure. The reconsideration was prompted by new information and the need for further clarification, despite opposition from some lawmakers concerned about criminalizing an act permitted in-person for 18-year-olds.

This development reflects ongoing tensions in the state's legislative process surrounding online gambling regulations. While some lawmakers, such as Rep. Cherie Cruz, argue for civil penalties similar to those for underage drinking and smoking, others, including Knight, emphasize the unique policy considerations associated with gambling. The bill's advancement without additional debate underscores procedural nuances and highlights differing perspectives on youth gambling. The legislation's future, including a potential Senate companion bill, remains uncertain as the conversation continues around regulatory approaches and public policy implications.

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RATING

8.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive and accurate overview of the legislative process surrounding a bill to criminalize underage online gambling in Rhode Island. It effectively balances multiple perspectives, offering insights from both supporters and opponents of the bill. The use of credible sources and clear attribution enhances the article's reliability, while the straightforward language and logical structure ensure readability. Although the story could benefit from additional sources and more in-depth analysis, it successfully engages with a timely and relevant public interest topic. Overall, the article is well-crafted, informative, and encourages thoughtful consideration of the legislative and societal implications of the proposed bill.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The story is largely accurate, with specific details that match available legislative records and public statements. For instance, the claim that the House Committee on Judiciary initially rejected the proposal and later reconsidered it aligns with verified legislative procedures. The details about Rep. Jason Knight's role in the reconsideration process are also consistent with documented events. However, the story could benefit from additional verification on the motivations behind the vote changes and the exact nature of the discussions that led to the bill's advancement. The mention of Bally’s Corp. managing the only iGaming app available in the state is another verifiable fact, adding to the story's accuracy.

8
Balance

The article presents a balanced view by including perspectives from multiple stakeholders, such as lawmakers who support and oppose the bill. It quotes Rep. Cherie Cruz, who expresses concerns about the legislation, and provides context for the opposition's arguments. However, the story could improve by offering more detailed insights from those directly affected by the legislation, such as young adults or representatives from the gaming industry. The inclusion of both proponents and critics helps to provide a well-rounded view, but the depth of coverage on each side could be more evenly distributed.

9
Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly written, making it easy for readers to follow the legislative process and the key events described. The language is straightforward and devoid of jargon, which aids comprehension. The logical flow from the initial rejection of the bill to its reconsideration and advancement is well-articulated, ensuring that readers can easily grasp the sequence of events. The inclusion of direct quotes helps to clarify the positions of various stakeholders, enhancing the overall clarity of the piece.

7
Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, such as direct quotes from lawmakers and official statements from the Rhode Island State Police. However, it primarily cites a single publication, Rhode Island Current, which may limit the diversity of perspectives. Including additional sources, such as expert opinions or independent analyses, could enhance the article's credibility. The reliance on direct quotes from involved parties is a strength, but the lack of varied sources could be a potential weakness in terms of comprehensiveness.

8
Transparency

The article is transparent about its sources, frequently attributing information to specific lawmakers and official statements. It clearly outlines the legislative process and the rules governing reconsideration, providing readers with a solid understanding of the context. However, the article could improve by disclosing any potential biases or affiliations of the quoted individuals, which would help readers assess the impartiality of the perspectives presented. Overall, the article does a good job of explaining the basis for its claims and the legislative nuances involved.

Sources

  1. https://cdcgaming.com/brief/rhode-island-defeated-bill-to-criminalize-igaming-under-age-21-is-up-for-a-revote/
  2. https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText25/SenateText25/S0623.pdf
  3. https://legiscan.com/RI/text/H5656/id/3142654/Rhode_Island-2025-H5656-Introduced.pdf
  4. https://fastdemocracy.com/bill-search/ri/2025/bills/RIB00031840/
  5. https://www.gamblingnews.com/news/rhode-island-wants-to-criminalize-underage-igaming-despite-opposition/