The bill amends Section 42-61.3-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-61.3 entitled "Casino Gaming" to establish and define the responsibilities of a gaming enforcement unit within the state police. The unit is tasked with ensuring the integrity of casino gaming activities in the state by working independently and in cooperation with the division of state lottery and the department of business regulation. The bill outlines the unit's duties, which include conducting investigations, monitoring for criminal activity, and enforcing criminal laws related to casino gaming. It also specifies that individuals and entities licensed by the division of state lottery and the department of business regulation must cooperate with the gaming enforcement unit.

The bill introduces new provisions that allow the gaming enforcement unit to enter the premises of a gaming facility or any associated facility, as well as access server-based gaming systems and related technology, without notice, for inspection, examination, and criminal investigation purposes. It also includes language that requires applicants and licensees to reimburse the state police for travel and other investigatory expenses incurred during gaming-related investigations. Additionally, the bill allows the gaming enforcement unit to eject or exclude individuals from gaming facilities or server-based gaming systems if their conduct is deemed to compromise the integrity of gaming activities. The bill would take effect upon passage and is designed to align with the advent of iGaming and new technology, as well as to codify the payment of investigatory expenses by the State in certain situations.

Statutes affected:
2814  SUB A: 42-61.3-1
2814: 42-61.3-1