Providence Casino Circumvents Laws With New Video Blackjack
Blackjack is illegal under Rhode Island law. The game does not fall under the allowed gambling in state casinos. An innovative way has been found, however, for blackjack to be played at the greyhound racetrack casino. Virtual Blackjack.
The game is played on a screen with five players sitting around the table. The cards are dealt by a virtual dealer. Play then continues just as it would at a normal, live table.
Six tables have already been installed at Twin River. Twelve more machines are expected to be installed shortly. The first day the machine was running, the revenue generated nearly doubled that of a regular slot machine. $600 per day per seat was generated.
The main concern over the new game was the legality of bringing blackjack, in any form, to the casino. Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch put any thought of it being illegal out of mind. He ruled that there was no need for voter or legislative approval for the game. Some had argued that the new game would need both, believing that any newly introduced form of gambling would need approval.
At least one former state Representative, Rodney Driver, believes this is just another plan to deceive people into spending money. "I'm disgusted but I don't know what to do about it," said Driver, when speaking of the decision made by Lynch.
