Animal rights advocates are pushing to ban betting on out-of-state greyhound races in Rhode Island.
Opponents of the ban, including Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone, argue the state cannot afford the loss of revenue.
The proposed bill would ban all wagering on dog races in Rhode Island, effective January 1, 2027.
Rhode Island banned in-state greyhound racing 16 years ago, but animal rights advocates are now trying to close a loophole allowing gamblers in the state’s Lincoln casino to still bet on dog races happening out of state that are broadcast within the casino.
But the push has run into a significant obstacle in Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone, who doubles as chairman of the state’s Lottery Commission, the group that, on paper, runs gambling in Rhode Island, including the Bally’s casinos.
