Legal Framework for Sports Betting in Rhode Island
Rhode Island is one of the early adopters of legalized sports betting in the United States, with legislation passed in 2018 following the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). The Rhode Island Lottery oversees and regulates all sports betting activities, ensuring compliance with state laws and player protection standards. Sports betting is permitted both at physical retail locations and through online platforms, provided that participants are physically located within state boundaries when placing wagers.
Retail Sportsbook Locations
The state offers two primary retail sportsbook venues, both operated in partnership with Bally’s Corporation:
- Twin River Casino Hotel (Lincoln) – This facility features a dedicated sportsbook lounge equipped with large-screen televisions, comfortable seating, and betting kiosks.
- Tiverton Casino Hotel (Tiverton) – Similar to the Lincoln location, Tiverton offers in-person betting services, live viewing areas, and self-service betting terminals.
These locations provide opportunities for bettors to place wagers on a wide variety of sporting events, including major professional leagues, college sports, and international competitions.
Online and Mobile Betting Options
Rhode Island allows online sports betting through the official platform managed by the Rhode Island Lottery in collaboration with Bally’s Interactive. Bettors can register either in person at one of the casino locations or remotely via the mobile application. The mobile sportsbook offers features such as:
- Pre-game and live in-play betting
- Comprehensive coverage of domestic and international sports
- Secure deposits and withdrawals
- Player account management tools
Geo-location technology is employed to ensure all bets are placed within Rhode Island state lines.
Available Betting Markets
Sportsbooks in Rhode Island provide a diverse range of betting markets, including but not limited to:
- Professional Leagues – NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS
- College Sports – NCAA basketball and football (with restrictions on Rhode Island collegiate teams unless participating in tournaments)
- International Events – Soccer, tennis, golf, boxing, and eSports
Bettors can choose from standard bet types such as moneyline, point spread, totals (over/under), parlays, and prop bets.
Responsible Gambling Measures
The Rhode Island Lottery emphasizes responsible gambling through several initiatives:
- Self-exclusion programs for both online and in-person betting
- Deposit and spending limits available through the mobile platform
- Partnerships with problem gambling support organizations
- Public awareness campaigns on responsible betting practices
Taxation and Revenue Use
All sports betting revenue in Rhode Island is subject to state taxation, with funds directed toward public projects and state programs. A portion of the revenue supports educational initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and community services, aligning with the state’s objective of generating public benefit from legalized gaming.
Conclusion
Sports betting in Rhode Island operates under a regulated and structured framework that prioritizes player safety, market diversity, and public benefit. With both retail sportsbooks and a state-sanctioned online platform, residents and visitors have accessible and secure options for wagering on a broad spectrum of sporting events.
