Many states are trying to come up with different ways to gain revenue due to the current economic state in the United States. Two lawmakers in Rhode Island would like to add sports betting to the state. Both feel it would help balance the budget and help with their deficit.

State Representative William San Bento and State Senator John Tassoni both feel allowing sports betting in Rhode Island would create millions in revenue. They have worked together to create a bill and send it to the General Assembly asking Congress to lift the federal ban on sports betting.

Tassoni pointed out that illegal bookmakers have been making a good deal of money from sports betting and now it is time for the state to benefit. He also pointed out that Las Vegas makes several million a year in sports betting.

Tassoni stated that the two casinos in the state would manage the bets from the sports betting which in turn would create jobs and increased tourism.

The bill must be approved by the state and then move on to the federal level. The bill may not make it very far, the two lawmakers will have to prove their case and see what happens next.

- 2009-02-20