Legal Status of Sports Betting in Rhode Island
Sports betting in Rhode Island was legalized in 2018, making the state one of the early adopters of regulated wagering following the repeal of PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act). The industry is operated under state oversight, with the Rhode Island Lottery managing both retail and online sportsbook operations. This structure ensures that all betting activities are conducted in compliance with strict regulations, offering a secure environment for players.
Retail Sportsbook Locations
Rhode Island has two primary retail sportsbooks located at:
- Twin River Casino Hotel in Lincoln
- Twin River Tiverton Casino Hotel
These venues provide full-service sportsbooks with dedicated betting lounges, large-screen displays for live games, and a wide range of wagering options. Both locations are operated by Bally’s Corporation under the Rhode Island Lottery’s supervision, ensuring a consistent betting experience across the state.
Online and Mobile Betting
Online and mobile sports betting in Rhode Island launched in 2019 through the Sportsbook Rhode Island platform, powered by IGT and William Hill (now Caesars Sportsbook). Players can register, deposit funds, and place wagers through the website or mobile application. Initial registration once required an in-person visit to a retail sportsbook, but this requirement was removed in 2020 to improve accessibility.
Betting Markets and Options
Sportsbooks in Rhode Island offer wagering on:
- Professional leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL
- College sports, with restrictions on in-state teams and events
- International competitions including soccer, tennis, and more
- Special events such as the Super Bowl, March Madness, and major golf tournaments
Betting options include moneylines, point spreads, totals (over/under), parlays, teasers, proposition bets, and live in-game wagering.
Taxation and Revenue
Rhode Island applies one of the highest revenue-sharing models in the United States. Approximately 51% of sportsbook revenue is allocated to the state, 32% to the technology provider, and 17% to the casino operator. This revenue supports state programs and public services, making sports betting a significant contributor to the local economy.
Responsible Gambling Measures
The Rhode Island Lottery and Bally’s prioritize responsible gambling by:
- Offering self-exclusion programs
- Providing deposit and wagering limit tools
- Partnering with problem gambling support organizations
These measures aim to maintain a safe and controlled betting environment while minimizing risks associated with gambling addiction.
Summary
Sports betting in Rhode Island operates under a tightly regulated system led by the Rhode Island Lottery, with both retail and online options available. Through its Twin River Casino sportsbooks and the Sportsbook Rhode Island platform, residents and visitors can access a broad selection of betting markets while contributing to state revenue. The combination of regulation, accessibility, and responsible gaming measures has made Rhode Island’s sports betting industry both secure and sustainable.
