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Rhode Island Sports Betting

While Monopoly is a fun board game, the current state of legal sports betting in Rhode Island is lacking. Rhode Islanders do have access to legal sports betting, thanks to legislation passed shortly after the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. However, with the Rhode Island Lottery being the only operator, options and bonuses are limited in the state.

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Rhode Island betting sites

Rhode Island’s online sports betting market is currently dominated by one player, and it is unlikely that this will change in the near future.

In September 2019, the Rhode Island Lottery introduced the Underscoreg Rhode Island app, which initially required players to sign up for an account in person at one of two retail sportsbooks. However, less than a year later, Governor Gina Raimondo simplified the process by signing two bills into law that permitted remote registration.

Rhode Island promos and bonuses

If mobile sports betting in Rhode Island expands, it will result in numerous promotions, bonuses, and offers for those placing bets within the state. We recommend taking advantage of these opportunities to maximize potential rewards, as many of the initial incentives can lead to real money being added to bettors’ accounts with minimal playthrough requirements.

Rhode Island sports betting quick facts

Launch Date       Nov. 16, 2018
# of Betting Sites       One
Online Sports Betting       ✅ Yes
Retail Sports Betting       ✅ Yes
Online Casino       ❌ No
Retail Casino       ✅ Yes
College Sports Betting       ✅ Yes
2022 Population (est.)       1.1 million
2021 Betting Handle       $454.4 million
Tax Rate       5.99 percent

How to bet in Rhode Island

Register online

Each sportsbook may have its own specific registration requirements, however, the majority tend to follow similar protocols. It is important to have your personal information such as name, address, and phone number, as well as credit card details including the card number, expiry date, and CVV, readily available.

Deposit 

After you understand the terms of your sportsbook’s new signup bonus, it’s time to deposit some funds. It’s recommended to set a budget and adhere to it; only bet what you’re willing to lose, and nothing more.

Select and finalize your bet

Well done! You’re all set to make a bet. Before you start, take a moment to get to know the app interface. While most mobile operators have user-friendly interfaces for new sports bettors, it’s still helpful to be familiar with all the features and options.

After that, you have the freedom to make any kind of bet you prefer, with the most common options being moneyline, spread, or total bets. Additionally, you can explore team or player props, or start with a futures bet.

After selecting your desired wagers on your betting card, double-check to make sure you have chosen the selections you want. If everything looks good, just click the “Bet” button and you’re ready to go!

The history of legal sports betting in the Ocean State is straightforward. Rhode Island was among the first states in America to legalize wagering after the repeal of PASPA. It was established early on that the Rhode Island Lottery would oversee regulation.

Let’s take a closer look at the history of sports betting in Rhode Island.

2018-19: Rhode Island Works Quickly

Rhode Island wasted no time in embracing sports betting, quickly passing legislation just 39 days after the Supreme Court’s PASPA ruling. Governor Raimondo signed the state’s budget, which included provisions for legal sports wagering, shortly after the historic decision.

In just five months, the first legal sports bet was placed at Twin River Casino in Rhode Island. The following September, Underscoreg Rhode Island, powered by William Hill, became the state’s first online sports betting operator.

2020: Remote Registration Becomes Law

Although Rhode Island’s sports betting arrangement was going smoothly, there was a minor issue that needed to be addressed: the timing of when players would be allowed to register for an account using their mobile devices instead of in person.

In July 2020, the oversight was rectified amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The state’s General Assembly approved two bills on July 16 to enable remote registration for online sports betting. Governor Raimondo signed the bills into law six days later, officially implementing remote registration on July 28th.

2021-22: RI Generates Solid Handle

After remote registration was permitted, Rhode Island experienced a steady and remarkable increase in handle starting in August 2021. The state has consistently achieved at least $22 million in handle each month since April 2022, a milestone that took seven months to reach in the first 21 months of operation.

Responsible Gaming in Rhode Island

Rhode Island, like many other states, has implemented measures to provide bettors with a safety net in case they encounter any issues.

The primary online resource in Rhode Island for players seeking help with problem gambling is the Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling. Visitors to the site can take a self-assessment and find links to the Problem Gambling Access Network and Gamblers Anonymous.

Go to the website for the Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling.

Sports leagues to bet on

Rhode Island bettors can expect to find a wide range of professional and amateur sports available for wagering, including but not limited to:

  • NFL
  • NBA
  • Most NCAA Football
  • Most NCAA Basketball
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Golf
  • Auto Racing
  • Tennis
  • Soccer
  • MMA

This leaves very few exceptions, with only four major markets in Rhode Island where wagering is not allowed:

  • Politics
  • Esports
  • Entertainment (including awards shows)
  • Collegiate events involving RI-based teams, or taking place within the state

Sports bettors have the option to explore the top sportsbooks for individual sports, leagues, playoffs, and categories.

Rhode Island retail sportsbooks

There are currently only two retail sportsbooks operating in Rhode Island, making options limited for sports bettors in the Ocean State. Check out the list below for the available retail sportsbooks in Rhode Island.

  • Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort (William Hill Underscoreg, 100 Twin River Rd, Lincoln, RI, 02865)
  • Bally’s Tiverton Casino & Hotel (777 Tiverton Casino Blvd, Tiverton, RI, 02878)

Rhode Island sports betting tax & handle

The tiniest state in the country has shown a strong enthusiasm for sports betting.

Rhode Island has achieved impressive sports betting results despite initially only having two brick-and-mortar sportsbooks. In November 2019, the state surpassed $30 million in monthly bets for the first time. Since then, the numbers have steadily increased, reaching a record high of $60.1 million in October 2021.

Below is an overview of Rhode Island’s monthly sports betting handle starting in 2018:

2018

MonthHandle
November        $0.7 million
December        $13 million
Total$13.7 million

2019

MonthHandle
January        $19 million
February        $20.6 million
March        $23.5 million
April        $16.8 million
May        $18.9 million
June        $14.7 million
July        $8.3 million
August        $10 million
September        $22.1 million
October        $28.2 million
November        $31.4 million
December        $31.6 million
Total$245.8 million

2020

MonthHandle
January        $26.9 million
February        $28.1 million
March        $8.9 million
April        $0.6 million
May        $1.5 million
June        $2 million
July        $6.7 million
August        $23.1 million
September        $31.2 million
October        $34.7 million
November        $35 million
December        $22.7 million
Total$221.9 million

2021

MonthHandle
January        $39.8 million
February        $34.1 million
March        $38.5 million
April        $29 million
May        $28.2 million
June        $29.4 million
July        $22 million
August        $24 million
September        $41.2 million
October        $60.1 million
November        $52.7 million
December        $54.9 million
Total$454.4 million

2022

MonthHandle
January        $58.6 million
February        $42.1 million
March        $45.7 million
April        $40.2 million
May        $41.1 million
June        $34.2 million
July        $25.2 million
August$27.8 million
September $41.7 million 
Total$356.7 million

Rhode Island, like a few other states, utilizes a revenue-sharing agreement instead of a traditional tax rate for sports betting. The state receives 51% of all sports betting revenue generated by the two casinos.

Growth of sports betting 📈

In 2018, the repeal of PASPA by the U.S. Supreme Court led to a rapid increase in legal sports betting across the United States. Nearly 30 states have now legalized various forms of sports betting, with popular legislation involving the authorization of online sportsbooks and mobile betting applications. Explore our legal sports betting tracker for detailed information on the status of sports betting in any state of your choice.

In the last two years, Ohio and Massachusetts have experienced highly successful online betting launches, providing sports fans with an additional way to interact with their favorite teams while generating much-needed revenue for the states through licensing fees and taxes.

Legal North Carolina sports betting was introduced on March 11, 2024, welcoming eight top sportsbooks to the Tar Heel state. With major events like the Copa America and Euro 2024 soccer tournaments taking place throughout the summer, the excitement and possibilities for sports betting fans are on the rise.

Rhode Island sports betting FAQ

Can I legally wager on sports in the state of Rhode Island?

Indeed! Almost precisely four months after Rhode Island’s inaugural retail sports bet was made, Governor Raimondo officially approved Bill SB37, ushering in legalized mobile sports betting throughout the entire state.

Am I permitted to bet in Rhode Island even if I don’t live there?

In Rhode Island, you can sign up, add funds, place bets, and cash out on any authorized mobile sports betting app as long as you are physically located within the state. Remember to finish all your transactions before leaving, as you won’t be able to access your account(s) once you’re outside Rhode Island.

Can I bet on esports in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island currently prohibits esports betting.

How big is the Rhode Island sports betting market?

Rhode Island has a population of 1.06 million (2022 estimate), making it more populous than only six states and the District of Columbia.

Who is responsible for overseeing sports betting in Rhode Island?

The Rhode Island Lottery is responsible for overseeing sports betting in the state. The website contains detailed information on all gaming options available in Rhode Island, as well as thorough financial reports.

Will there be more online sportsbook operators in Rhode Island in the future?

It doesn’t appear so. The Rhode Island Lottery handles all of the sports betting within the state, and it’s difficult to see the state body yielding to third-party operators.