Legal sports betting has been offered in Rhode Island since November 26, 2018 making Rhode Island the eighth state with regulated sports betting. Initially bettors could only make wagers at Twin River Casino (Lincoln) until a second Twin River property opened in Tiverton later in the year. Rhode Island then took the final step and entered into online sports wagering in September of 2019, just in time for the NFL season, and then offered remote registration the following year. Currently the state only allows sports betting through its Sportsbook Rhode Island app which is operated by the Rhode Island Lottery and partnered with William Hill.
Since Rhode Island bettors only have one sports betting option within state lines, you might be interested in learning more about that option. I will provide you with more details on the Sportsbook Rhode Island app and explain how to get started betting on sports. I’ll also provide details on the state’s path toward legal sports betting, which New England teams you can wager on and responsible gambling resources.
is sports betting legal in rhode island
Yes, retail sports betting was legalized in Rhode Island on June 22, 2018 when Governor Gina Raimondo adopted the language from Senate Bill S2405 into the state’s budget and signed it into law. Gov. Raimondo then legalized online sports betting on March 25, 2019. A lot of the big sportsbook names Rhode Island sports fans are used to hearing about (FanDuel, DraftKings, etc.) aren’t currently permitted to operate in the state as the Rhode Island Lottery’s Sportsbook Rhode Island app is the only option. College sports betting is allowed in the Ocean state, but wagers on in-state teams and NCAA events occurring within state lines isn’t allowed. NFL draft bets aren’t allowed in Rhode Island like they are in nearby Massachusetts.
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timeline of betting legislation & latest news
Rhode Island was one of a handful of U.S. states that acted quickly to legalize sports betting after the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling enabled them to do so. In fact, lawmakers began discussions in the senate four months before the Supreme Court opened the door. Rhode Island was far ahead of its neighbors - Connecticut and Massachusetts - initially causing those residents to flock to the Ocean State to make legal wagers before their own states allowed it. Currently Sportsbook Rhode Island is the only app available in the state and it looks like it will remain that way for the foreseeable future.
January 18, 2018
In anticipation of the federal ban on sports betting being reversed, Senate Bill 2045 (S2045) is introduced and lawmakers begin discussions about legalized sports betting in Rhode Island.
May 14, 2018
The U.S. Supreme Court lifts the federal ban on sports betting (by striking down PASPA), allowing individual states to legalize and create their own regulations.
May 15, 2018
Rhode Island lawmakers show they’re eager for sports betting when they hold a post-PASPA hearing the day after the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling.
june 15, 2018
Rhode Island’s state budget (H7200Aaa) which is inclusive of sports betting, is approved in the house by a vote of 66-7. The bill adopted the sports betting language from S2405. H7200Aaa passes in the senate by a vote of 33-2.
june 22, 2018
Governor Gina Raimondo signs H7200Aaa into law, thus legalizing sports betting in the state.
august 24, 2018
Rhode Island Lottery partners with Internet Game Technology (IGT) and William Hill to operate its spots betting operations in the state.
november 26, 2018
Rhode Island launches retail sports betting as the state’s first wager is accepted at Twin River Casino.
january 16, 2019
Senate Bill 37 (SB37) is introduced in the senate. The bill aims to legalize mobile sports betting in Rhode Island.
february 13, 2019
SB37 is passed in the senate by a vote of 32-4.
march 12, 2019
SB37 is passed in the house by a vote of 64-8.
march 25, 2019
Gov. Raimondo officially legalizes statewide mobile wagering with the signing of SB37. Rhode Island bettors still need to visit a casino within the state to register.
september 4, 2019
Rhode Island launches mobile betting with its Sportsbook RI app, operated by the Rhode Island Lottery.
july 22, 2020
Gov. Raimondo signs legislation (H8097 & S2919) to ensure sports bettors can register for sportsbook apps remotely and eliminate the need to register in-person at sportsbooks.
august 19, 2024
As of this date, there are no indications that Rhode Island plans to expand its sportsbook options in Rhode Island, leaving bettors with just one choice.
how to start betting in rhode island
Sports betting in Rhode Island is easy thanks to remote registration which allows bettors to register for a sportsbook and deposit money into their account whether you’re laying in the sand at Misquamicut or enjoying a night out in downtown Providence. If you’re over 21-years-old and inside Rhode Island state lines, you can download The Rhode Island Sportsbook on a smartphone, deposit money, verify your identity, and begin betting instantly.
select a sportsbook
First, decide which sportsbook you want to use and download that sports betting app on your phone. Some sportsbooks will allow you to get started from their website on a computer as well. With the help of this article, make sure the app you’ve chosen is regulated in your state.
create account
Click the button on your sportsbooks’s app that says “signup” or “get started,” while you’re inside state lines, to begin creating an account. You’ll be required to fill in some personal information and verify your identity.
deposit
To fund the account, select the payment option you prefer. Each sportsbook has different options for deposits, but common options include: Credit/debit card, bank transfers, PayPal, etc. Remember to keep an eye out for any fees that might be associated with the deposit.
choose your bet and bet size
There are a variety of wagering options within each sportsbook. If you’re just getting started, moneylines are the most straight-forward bet and allow bettors to wager on who will win an event. Point spreads, over/unders, parlays, player props and futures bets are also popular choices.
place a wager
Every sportsbook runs independently from each other so they each may offer different point spreads or odds on the same wager. Before placing your wager, try shopping around at other betting apps to get the best price. Once you’ve found odds you like, type in your wager amount and submit your wager. If your wager wins, your winnings and your original bet will be deposited back into your account shortly after the event you bet on finishes.
withdraw funds
Each online sportsbook has different methods and processes for cashing out money if you’re successful betting. It’s normal for withdrawals to take longer than deposits, but the money is typically received within a couple days.
Home Field Advantage
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States in size and the seventh least populated with just over one million residents. The state’s close proximity to Massachusetts makes Boston’s professional teams big local favorites. The New England Patriots also have a strong following in The Ocean State, as do the Boston Red Sox whose AAA affiliate - The Pawtucket Red Sox - played at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket from 1973 to 2020.
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USA Betting News
responsible gaming message from rhode island
The Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling (RICPG) offers a helpline at 877-9GAMBLE and their website says people can call 401-354-2877 for information on training or resources. The RICPG is in the process of revamping its website, but it includes some useful information including a link to https://www.casinoselfexclusions.com/ where Rhode Islanders can voluntarily exclude themselves from casinos a short drive away in neighboring states. Remember that Rhode Island sports betting apps allow you to set wager and deposit limits to help prevent future problem gambling behavior.
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