Lawmaker hails Supreme Court decision allowing gambling

Rhode Island's Senate president is hailing the Supreme Court's decision to let states legalize sports betting.

Democratic Senate President Dominick Ruggerio had already introduced a bill allowing sports gambling at facilities in Rhode Island where it has been approved, like Twin River in Lincoln and a new casino in Tiverton. He said Monday that legalized sports gambling would bring in critical revenue.

Ruggerio is a longtime proponent of legalized sports gambling. A Senate committee will consider his proposal, which has bipartisan support, Tuesday.

Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo included potential revenue from sports gambling in her budget proposal this year.

The nation's highest court struck down a federal law Monday prohibiting gambling on football, basketball, baseball and other sports in most states. All four major professional sports leagues urged the court to uphold the ban.