Some lawmakers worry about allowing sports bets on phones

Jennifer McDermott And Geoff Mulvihill

March 16 2019 11:09 PM

CP1992744726 — FILE- In this March 12, 2019, file photo Rhode Island Rep. Teresa Tanzi addresses legislators during a late afternoon session on gaming at the State House in Providence, R.I. As lawmakers nationwide decide whether to allow sports betting in their state, they‚Äôre debating whether bets, like almost everything else in our lives, can be managed online or whether wagers should be made only in person. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

Original Publication Date: March 16, 2019 11:09PM

Publication Updated: April 21, 2025 4:29AM

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – As state legislatures decide whether to authorize sports gambling, lawmakers are debating whether the bets should be allowed to happen online.

Among their concerns is that the accessibility of online betting — especially on mobile devices — could be a pathway for minors to start gambling. Some lawmakers also worry it could make sports betting more addictive.

The debate played out in Rhode Island this past week as the Legislature considered and then passed a bill that will allow sports bets to be placed online.

Rep. Teresa Tanzi voted against it. She worries it will give people unlimited access to an activity that can be highly addictive.