Rhode Island
Rhode Island Lottery Pays Out $426.4M to State General Fund, Despite Drop in Revenue – Newport Buzz
The Rhode Island Lottery has delivered a hefty $426.4 million check to the state’s General Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. But while the payout sounds impressive, it’s a slight drop from the previous year, with the state pocketing $8.2 million less than in 2023. This payout comes after the Lottery accounted for prize awards, commissions, and various gaming expenses.
The latest figures were revealed in a report released by Auditor General David A. Bergantino and the Joint Committee on Legislative Services. Auditors gave the thumbs-up, confirming the numbers are legit and comply with U.S. accounting standards.
While the overall revenue took a hit, the Lottery’s total gross profit from gaming operations before operating expenses hit $436.5 million. But not every corner of Rhode Island’s gambling landscape is rolling high.
Video Lottery Still the King, but Slipping
Video lottery remains the big moneymaker, pulling in $314.9 million—over 72% of the total gross profit. However, video lottery revenue dropped 1.8% compared to the previous year, signaling that even the most popular gaming segment is feeling the squeeze.
Jackpot Fever Boosts Online Games
On the flip side, online drawing games like PowerBall® and Mega Millions® saw a 2.4% rise, with gross profits hitting $52.1 million. Thanks to a few jaw-dropping jackpots north of $1 billion, gamblers in Rhode Island couldn’t resist chasing the dream.
Instant Tickets and Table Games See Decline
But it wasn’t all wins. Instant ticket sales took a 7.7% tumble, bringing in just $22.4 million. And the table games weren’t any luckier—revenue from blackjack and other table games fell by 4.1%, leaving the state with $20.3 million after commissions and expenses.
Sports Betting Takes a Hit, iGaming Enters the Arena
The sports betting sector got blitzed by rising competition from neighboring states. Gross profit from sportsbooks plummeted by 24.8%, with Rhode Island only banking $19.2 million after costs. As gamblers turned elsewhere, the state felt the loss to the tune of $6.3 million compared to last year.
In March 2024, Rhode Island finally got into the iGaming game, though the early numbers were modest. The online casino games made a gross profit of $3.6 million, but it’s early days for the newest player on the block.
While Rhode Island still raked in big bucks, the slight downturn across several sectors raises eyebrows. As neighboring states ramp up their gambling operations, all eyes are on how Rhode Island’s gaming sector will adapt to keep the cash flowing into the state’s coffers.
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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Community members in the Ocean State are set to commemorate October 7.
Rhode Islanders are looking back on a year of conflict and protests as the war in Gaza continues.
The Jewish community in Providence is set to hold an event remembering those who have been lost or impacted by the war tonight.
The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island will hold its memorial event at 7 p.m. tonight at the Dwares Jewish Community Center on Elmgrove Avenue, marking one year since the attacks in Israel.
This comes just days after hundreds gathered for another protest that was held at the Rhode Island State House in support of Palestine and Lebanon as organizations.
Al Jazeera has reported nearly 43,000 deaths in Palestine since the conflict began.
Members of the Providence College community will be participating in a candle-lit Rosary at 8 p.m., in St. Dominic Chapel to pray for the healing of the conflict in the Middle East.
A peace and justice rally for both Israel and Palestine will be held at Memorial Park on South Main St. and College St. starting at 7 p.m.
His Holiness Aram I celebrated a Pontifical Divine Liturgy Sunday morning at Sts. Vartanantz Church in Providence.
His stay in Rhode Island began Friday and is the first ofvisits to ten parishes in New England and the Midwest states.
According to members ofSts. Vartanantz Church, before leaving later in the day on Monday, he plans to meet with leaders from civic and religious life.
Aram I was consecrated Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia of the Armenian Orthodox Church in 1995.
Born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1947, church members describe Aram I asenduring “to facilitate peace amongst all in the Middle East.”
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Hundreds gathered at the Rhode Island State House as part of a global day meant to show solidarity with the Palestinian people, as instability continues in the Middle East.
Organizers said it was the largest protest for Palestine in Rhode Island since the beginning of the war in Gaza began in October 2023.
More than 1,000 people were expected by the time of a vigil at the end of the day.
Activists said they considered the showing as part of a broader message.
“This is not just something that ends today or tomorrow, it’s a lifelong commitment to be a part of a liberation struggle, not just for Palestine, but for oppressed people everywhere,” Party for Socialism and Liberation organizer Yosan said.
Meanwhile, members of the Rhode Island coalition for Israel organized a small counter-protest, referencing the terror attack by Hamas in Israel last whose anniversary approaches.
“A year later, as a Jew, as Jews all over the world, we still can’t believe what happened Oct. 7,” RICI Board Member Ken Schneider said. “Nobody is listening to them. We came out here today to show them that we know what’s going on, and we need to push back.”
Leading up to the rally and vigil, Rhode Islanders hosted a series of events, including art display, dances, and fundraisers for people in Gaza.
Organizers added that it was the beginning of a week-long series of actions across the state.
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