Online Sports Betting in Rhode Island

Rhode Island was the eighth state to launch sports betting in 2018 after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). Although Rhode Island legalized only retail sports betting at the time, the state has since introduced legal online and mobile sports betting.

Currently, online sports betting is available through one sports betting app provided by the Rhode Island Lottery, in partnership with William Hill and IGT.

Here’s everything you need to know about online sports betting in Rhode Island.

Details About Sports Betting in Rhode Island

• Rhode Island became the eighth state in the U.S. to legalize sports betting after the Supreme Court overturned PASPA in 2018.
• While Rhode Island originally legalized only retail sports betting, the state launched mobile sports betting with in-person registration in 2019, and the state legislature legalized online sports betting in 2020 without the requirement to register at a casino.
• Currently, there is only one online sportsbook available in Rhode Island. Mobile sports betting is provided by the Rhode Island Lottery through a partnership with William Hill and IGT.
• Horse race betting is also legal in Rhode Island, though the state hasn’t had live horse racing in more than 40 years. Bettors can use online simulcast wagering platforms such as TVG and BetAmerica to bet on horse races throughout North America.
• Aside from the mobile app offered by the Rhode Island Lottery, there are two retail sportsbooks in the state at the Twin River Casino and the Twin River Tiverton Casino.
• There are a few restrictions on what you can bet on in Rhode Island. The following events can not be wagered on: college games taking place in the state, college games involving a Rhode Island team, political events, esports events, and entertainment award ceremonies.

Recent Sports Betting News in Rhode Island

While the state was one of the first to legalize sports betting in 2018, Rhode Island’s sports betting industry remains relatively small compared to other states with legal sports betting. However, with the introduction of fully online sports betting, the market is likely to grow. Here are some of the most recent updates in the Rhode Island sports betting industry:

• June 2022: The Rhode Island Lottery reports a total handle of $41.1 million for May 2022. Online sports betting accounts for more than $25 million of this handle.
• May 2022: In April 2022, Rhode Island retail and online sportsbooks take in $40.1 million in bets, leading to $2.6 million in total revenue.
• April 2022: According to the Rhode Island Lottery, March’s total handle is $45.7 million, including $27.1 million from online betting and $18.6 million from retail sportsbooks.
• July 28, 2020: Rhode Island makes remote registration for online sports betting available to residents and visitors. Previously, bettors had to visit retail sportsbooks to verify their identities before being able to place bets online.
• July 22, 2020: Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo signs bills H8097 and S2919 into law, legalizing remote registration for online sports betting.
• July 16, 2020: The Rhode Island General Assembly passes both H8097 and S2919. These bills now require the governor’s signature before becoming law.
• Sept. 4, 2019: The Rhode Island Lottery goes live with its mobile sports betting app. Bettors will have to register at a retail sportsbook to verify their identity before betting online.
• March 25, 2019: Gov. Raimondo signs SB 37. Statewide mobile sports betting is now officially legal in Rhode Island, though bettors will be required to register in person at a Rhode Island casino.
• March 12, 2019: Mobile sports betting gets closer to legalization as the Rhode Island House passes SB 37.
• Nov. 26, 2018: Rhode Island officially launches legal retail sports betting, and the Twin River Casino accepts the state’s first sports bet.

Online Sports Betting Apps Available in Rhode Island

Only one online sports betting app is available in Rhode Island. Sportsbook Rhode Island is operated by the Rhode Island Lottery, in partnership with William Hill using a platform powered by IGT. It’s possible online sports betting will expand in the future, but as of now, residents and visitors can only place bets by either using this app or visiting one of the state’s two retail sportsbooks in person.

Are Daily Fantasy Sports Apps Legal in Rhode Island?

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) apps offer daily and weekly contests in which players compete against other players for cash and other prizes. These apps often operate in a legal gray area, as there is much debate over whether DFS games are primarily dependent on skill or chance.

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Kilmartin released an opinion in 2016 stating that daily fantasy sports apps should be legal according to state law. This opinion paved the way for major DFS providers such as DraftKings and FanDuel to begin accepting entries in the state. However, the Rhode Island legislature has yet to introduce any bills to legalize and regulate DFS contests despite encouragement from the attorney general.

How to Place Responsible Sports Bets in Rhode Island

Sports betting is accessible to anyone 18 or older in Rhode Island. You can begin placing bets by registering with the Rhode Island Lottery’s online sportsbook or visiting one of the state’s two retail sportsbooks.

Individuals interested in sports betting should keep the following responsible betting practices in mind to minimize the impact gambling has on their personal life and financial well-being:

• Stick to a reasonable gambling budget to minimize your losses.
• Don’t chase your losses.
• Set time limits when using online sports betting apps.
• Avoid unlicensed offshore sportsbooks that claim to operate legally in Rhode Island.
• Don’t bet while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Take regular breaks from betting to avoid developing a compulsive gambling habit.
• Stop betting immediately and seek help if you believe you might be addicted to gambling.

Problem gambling is a serious issue that can affect anybody and can have a major impact on your mental health, financial health, personal relationships, and career.

If you believe you may be addicted to gambling, contact the National Council on Problem Gambling Hotline at 1-800-522-4700 for assistance.

Rhode Island Sports Betting FAQs

Editor’s Note: Information accurate as of July 2022.