2023 -- S 0146

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- VIDEO LOTTERY GAMES,

TABLE GAMES AND SPORTS WAGERING -- THE RHODE ISLAND CONSUMER

PROTECTION GAMING ACT

     Introduced By: Senators DiPalma, Felag, Gu, Acosta, Zurier, and Valverde

     Date Introduced: February 01, 2023

     Referred To: Senate Special Legislation and Veterans Affairs

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 42-61.2 of the General Laws entitled "Video Lottery Games, Table

Games and Sports Wagering" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     42-61.2-17. Prohibition on use of certain technology with video-lottery terminals and

sports betting applications.

     (a) As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings unless

the context clearly requires otherwise:

     (1) "Algorithm" means a specific procedure, set of rules, or order of operations designed

to solve a problem or make a calculation, classification, or recommendation.

     (2) "Artificial intelligence" means computerized methods and tools, including, but not

limited to, machine learning and natural language processing, that act in a way that resembles

human cognitive abilities when it comes to solving problems or performing certain tasks.

     (3) "Automated decision system" means any computer program, method, statistical model,

or process that aims to aid or replace human decision-making using algorithms or artificial

intelligence. These systems can include analyzing complex datasets about human populations and

government services or other activities to generate scores, predictions, classifications, or

recommendations used by agencies to make decisions that impact human welfare.

     (4) "Biometric recognition" means the automated recognition and identification of an

individual based on the individual's biological and behavioral traits. Examples of ways to

implement biometric recognition include, but are not limited to, fingerprint mapping, facial

recognition, iris scans, and software to recognize and identify a person based on the person's palm

print, retina, hand geometry, voice, signature, and gait.

     (5) "Gaming consumer" means a person engaged in playing a state-sanctioned game of

chance or state gaming operation pursuant to this chapter, including, but not limited to, video lottery

games, table games and sports wagering.

     (b) Prohibition in use of facial recognition technology or biometric recognition program:

No video-lottery terminal installed and operated at the facilities of pari-mutuel licensees in the state

or online betting applications shall use facial recognition technology or biometric recognition

programs.

     (c) Specific limitations: The following use of automated decision systems and algorithmic

operations that may affect gaming outcomes are prohibited:

     (1) The use of algorithmic programs that use a gaming consumer's previous betting history

to modify prospective programs in order to reinforce and increase the amount waged based on the

experience of a specific gaming consumer; and

     (2) The use of artificial intelligence or an automated decision system to condition a gaming

consumer or attempt to promote increased play through the use of intermittent reinforcement based

upon modern cognitive-behavioral algorithms and data collected from previous gaming

engagement by a gaming consumer.

     (d) The provisions contained in this section shall also apply to all sports betting

applications, including the use of computerized technology in a device separate from but connected

to or otherwise controlling a video-lottery terminal, and to vendors of gambling products licensed

by the State of Rhode Island.

     (e) Standardized rewards programs shall be excluded from the provisions of this section.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- VIDEO LOTTERY GAMES,

TABLE GAMES AND SPORTS WAGERING -- THE RHODE ISLAND CONSUMER

PROTECTION GAMING ACT

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     This act would prohibit the use of facial recognition technology and biometric recognition

technology in video-lottery terminals at pari-mutuel licensees in the state or in online betting

applications. This act would also prohibit the use of certain other technologies in state gaming

operations. The prohibition would not apply to standardized rewards programs.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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