Lawsuit challenges sports betting

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A new lawsuit seeks to halt Rhode Island’s sports betting law.

It’s brought by a Republican–led group that includes former Providence mayoral candidate Daniel Harrop former party chair Brandon Bell and a local attorney.

They say sports betting in Rhode Island is unconstitutional, because it was never put before voters.

“It’s not a Republican issue, it’s not a Democratic issue, it’s a good government issue,” said attorney Joseph Larisa. “If one provision of our constitution is, ‘Eh, we’ll just disregard it this time,’ then all provisions of our constitution are in jeopardy.”

Supporters of the sports betting law, like Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, say they’re disappointed by the lawsuit.

“I think we’re heading in the right direction right now,” Ruggerio said. “And I’d hate to see this throw a monkey wrench into it.”

They argue sports betting was included when voters approved table games at Twin River Casino in 2016.

“I thought we were on sound legal ground, I still think we are,” Ruggerio said. “I’m confident that we will prevail in this particular situation, and to me, it’s just delaying tactics on the part of Republicans.”

some citizens say lawmakers made the right decision in legalizing sports betting.

“I support it, and I’m not against Rhode Island doing it,” said Dan DiCicco of Warwick. “Because you know what, Rhode Island can profit off that.”

Others say it should be up to the people.

“I think it’s necessary to hear what the people have to say,” said Marisa Siino of Providence. “If people think it’s unlawful to bet on sports then they should definitely speak up.”

The suit asks for an injunction to stop in–person sports betting at Twin River, and the state’s recently passed online sports betting platform.

It’s now in the hands of the courts.

© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2019