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Rhode Island Senate Approves Raising Casino Credit Limits

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Rhode Island Senate Approves Raising Casino Credit Limits


Posted on: June 9, 2024, 11:35h. 

Last updated on: June 9, 2024, 11:35h.

The Rhode Island Senate last week approved legislation to allow the state’s two commercial casinos to lend higher amounts of cash to high rollers.

Rhode Island casinos Bally's credit
Bally’s Twin River Lincoln and Bally’s Tiverton in Rhode Island could soon be allowed to offer high rollers larger amounts of credit after legislation advanced in the state capital last week. Currently, casinos are limited to extending up to $50,000 in cash to gamblers after performing credit checks to make sure they’re good for such advances. (Image: WPRI)

Senate Bill 3040 seeks to amend the state’s gaming regulations to permit Bally’s Twin River Lincoln and Bally’s Tiverton to double the credit they can lend to VIPs and other gamblers wishing to bet big.

Under Rhode Island’s present rules, the two brick-and-mortar casinos can lend up to $50,000 per player in cash. SB3040 would take the cap to $100,000.

The state Senate on Thursday voted 28-5 in favor of the measure. It now moves to the state House of Representatives where it’s been directed to the chamber’s Finance Committee for initial review.

Bally’s asked state Sen. President Dominick Ruggerio (D-North Providence) for the higher lending line. The Rhode Island-based gaming corporation said the amendment is needed to allow its casinos to compete with gaming resorts in neighboring Connecticut and Massachusetts where there are no limits.

Opponents Raise Problem Gambling Concerns

State Sen. Sam Bell (D-Providence) was among the “no” votes for SB3040. He pondered why a casino should need to allow a gambler to lose more than $50,000 in a single day.

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This is bad,” Bell declared. “Going into debt from gambling is dangerous. We should not maximize profit when it comes to an addictive product.”

Bally’s says many high rollers have the financial ability to weather such losses. Extending credit isn’t to provide gamblers with money they don’t have but to provide them with an easier, safer means of obtaining large sums of cash than carrying tens of thousands of dollars in bills into the business.

Credit, or “markers,” must be repaid by the player within a certain timeframe, typically 15 to 45 days. Casinos also don’t lend markers to players without doing a credit check.

The Bally’s Lincoln and Tiverton credit applications require players to provide two banking accounts that are verified by a third-party service. Applicants who falsely complete a credit application are subject to criminal liability for perjury under Rhode Island’s General Laws.

The Rhode Island House has until June 30 to pass the casino credit bill to Gov. Daniel McKee’s (D) desk.

Casino Smoking Remains

Legislation introduced in February to overhaul the state’s clean indoor air law that provides indoor smoking exceptions for Rhode Island’s casinos and pari-mutuel wagering facilities won’t reach McKee’s desk this year.

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In May, House Bill 7500 was tabled by the House Finance Committee to allow a “further study” to be completed on the economic implications of forcing gaming venues to go smoke-free. Rhode Island’s Public Health and Workplace Safety Act passed in 2024 allows for indoor casino smoking.

Bally’s in 2022 announced that tobacco smoking would no longer be permitted at table games.

A grassroots coalition of Bally’s casino workers continues to lobby state lawmakers in Providence to pass legislation to free their workplaces of secondhand smoke. Ruggerio, however, one of the most powerful lawmakers in the heavily Democrat-controlled General Assembly, is opposed to such a change.

The Senate president last year said gamblers who don’t want to be around tobacco smoke should “stay home” and gamble online. Ruggerio is a smoker himself and has battled cancer in the past.



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Rhode Island

One Big Question After RHORI Renewal

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One Big Question After RHORI Renewal


Bravo cameras will be rolling in Rhode Island once again this summer.

The Real Housewives of Rhode Island has officially been renewed for season two—and honestly, it’s no surprise. The newest addition to the Housewives franchise quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to strong ratings and early award buzz.

READ MORE: RHORI Earned Two Critics’ Choice Award Nominations

Still, not everyone may be celebrating this news.

It didn’t take long for viewers to get hooked on the Ocean State edition, especially with the intense drama that unfolded just a few episodes in.

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The Infidelity Allegations That Drove the Season

At the center of it all? The allegations of infidelity involving Rulla Nehme Pontarelli’s husband, Brian—a storyline that quickly became the season’s biggest talking point.

The situation even left Rulla questioning her future on the show, saying she would have to “think very long and hard about” returning for another season.

Will Rulla Return for Season 2?

Now that season two is officially happening, the big question is: will Rulla be back?

Fans certainly hope so. Rulla has been one of the most talked-about cast members on social media, and her storyline has driven much of the conversation around the show.

READ MORE: Fans React to First Look at Real Housewives of Rhode Island Cast

As of now, Rulla is expected to return alongside Alicia Carmody, Rosie DiMare, Ashley Iaconetti, Liz McGraw, Kelsey Swanson, and Jo-Ellen Tiberi.

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Bravo via Facebook

Bravo via Facebook

When and Where Filming Will Begin

If production follows last year’s schedule, filming will likely kick off in mid-June and run through mid-September—once again showcasing Rhode Island at its summer best.

For now, fans seem thrilled. The announcement sparked more than 100 excited comments on Facebook, with viewers eager for more drama, more glamour, and more Ocean State moments.

So don’t be surprised if you spot Bravo cameras popping up around Rhode Island again very soon.

40 Photos Of Real Housewives Of Dallas Stars Home For Sale

Built & owned by actress, celebrity chef & Real Housewife, D’Andra Simmons-this stylish & stunning award winning two story,5 bedroom modern is on a corner lot in prestigious Highland Park and its on sale for $5.2 Million.

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Gallery Credit: Christine McKenny, Agent/ Allie Beth Allman & Associates

A Real Housewives Star Just Made $7.7M On Her Ridiculous Colorado Home

Kyle Richards, from the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, just sold this ridiculously gorgeous home in Aspen, Colorado, for $7.7 Million. You’ve gotta see these pix…

Gallery Credit: Aspen MLS

The Gorga’s of The Real Housewives of New Jersey Put Their Jersey House Up For Sale

We learned from Patch.com that the couple is ready to get rid of their beautiful house in Toms River, New Jersey.
The stunning house is going for $2,450,000. It’s a beautiful house with a view of the bay.

It has 7 bedrooms 5 bathrooms and a pool but really it will be better if we show you this celebrity home that is up for sale in the Jersey Shore.

Gallery Credit: EeE

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Lieutenant governor candidate wants the office to be RI’s inspector general

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Lieutenant governor candidate wants the office to be RI’s inspector general


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  • Republican candidate John Loughlin proposes transforming the Rhode Island lieutenant governor’s office into an inspector general.
  • Loughlin aims to use the office’s staff and budget to investigate government waste, fraud, and corruption.
  • The state’s lieutenant governor role currently has few official duties beyond succeeding the governor if necessary.

Republican candidate for lieutenant governor John Loughlin wants the office to become the Rhode Island inspector general his party has been seeking in vain for years.

Loughlin, a former state representative, said on May 11 that, if elected, he would staff the underutilized office with people who would help him expose “fraud, waste, abuse, and government corruption.”

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“Rhode Islanders are sick and tired of watching their tax dollars disappear into a black hole of inefficiency, cronyism, and outright corruption while the General Assembly talks a big game but delivers nothing − year after year after year,” Loughlin said in a news release. “For more than two decades, the legislature has failed to create a true Inspector General with real investigative power. Enough is enough. If they won’t do it, the Lieutenant Governor’s Office will − starting on day one.”

Why turn the lieutenant governor into an inspector general?

The Rhode Island Constitution gives the lieutenant governor little to no authority beyond being available in case the governor is unable to finish their term. That’s prompted some to call it a “do nothing” office and others to propose abolishing it.

“Frankly, the current workload of the office leaves ample time and resources to do far more for taxpayers than ceremonial appearances and ribbon-cuttings,” Loughlin said in his news release. “Rhode Islanders deserve a Lieutenant Governor’s Office that works every day to protect their money and hold government accountable.”

The lieutenant governor’s office has a budget of $1.4 million, which Loughlin said is enough to staff and run an effective investigative team made up of “certified auditors, investigators, and compliance professionals” to review state agency spending and contracts.

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He acknowledged that the lieutenant governor does not have subpoena power, but believes that investigations can be completed utilizing public records requests and gathering publicly-available data.

Loughlin, who ended his talk radio show earlier this year when he announced his campaign for governor, said he would communicate his findings through “RI Report” publications, news briefings and podcasts.

He said he would also make the office’s resources available to city and town leaders.

Republicans have been fighting for an inspector general

Rhode Island Republicans have for years promised to lower state spending by rooting out government waste, fraud and abuse. The last GOP Rhode Island governor, Donald Carcieri, launched a “Fiscal Fitness” program that aimed to save money and find efficiencies.

Democrats criticized Carcieri’s tenure for featuring exorbitant privatization and outsourcing.

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Since Carcieri, the idea of creating an independent inspector general similar to those in other states has become a holy grail for Rhode Island Republicans, but the Democratic General Assembly has had little interest in it.

“If our office saves just 1% from Rhode Island’s bloated state budget, the savings would return more than ten times the entire cost of the Lieutenant Governor’s Office to taxpayers – and that’s only the beginning,” Loughlin said in the news release.



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RI Lottery Numbers Midday, Numbers Evening winning numbers for May 10, 2026

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The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at May 10, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Numbers numbers from May 10 drawing

Midday: 9-9-9-0

Evening: 5-5-0-9

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Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Wild Money numbers from May 10 drawing

01-13-14-16-32, Extra: 02

Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 10 drawing

01-03-20-35-46, Bonus: 05

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

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Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

  • Prizes less than $600 can be claimed at any Rhode Island Lottery Retailer. Prizes of $600 and above must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters, 1425 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island 02920.
  • Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize. The annuitized prize shall be paid in 30 graduated annual installments.
  • Winners of the Millionaire for Life top prize of $1,000,000 a year for life and second prize of $100,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment.

When are the Rhode Island Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. ET daily.
  • Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. ET daily.
  • Numbers (Midday): 1:30 p.m. ET daily.
  • Numbers (Evening): 7:29 p.m. ET daily.
  • Wild Money: 7:29 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Rhode Island editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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