Rhode Island Sports Betting Updates

Rhode Island Legal Sports Betting Overview

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Rhode Island Sports Betting Summary

Rhode Island became the eighth state to legalize sports betting after the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) in May 2018. Governor Gina Raimondo signed SB 2045, which was then amended by SB 37 to legalize mobile and online sports betting. Rhode Island removed the need for in-person registration when Governor Raimondo signed HB 8097.

Bettors in Rhode Island can wager online via the state’s only legal and regulated sports betting site; the Caesars-powered Sportsbook Rhode Island. Despite having just one online sportsbook to bet with, Ocean State bettors can access a large proportion of the sports markets offered by Caesars and their competitors in other states.

There are just two brick-and-mortar casino locations in Rhode Island; Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort and Tiverton Casino and Hotel. Both casinos are Bally-owned and offer a retail sportsbook using Caesars technology. However, these are not Caesars-branded betting locations.

Our complete guide to Rhode Island sports betting will help you discover the latest changes to the state's betting and gambling laws and the best ways to wager legally.

Sportsbook Rhode Island Review

An exclusive single-operator system means you won’t find sportsbook giants like DraftKings or FanDuel in Rhode Island soon. Instead, the state’s two retail locations and single online sportsbooks are powered by Caesars and IGT. Sportsbook Rhode Island is your only online option, so we’ve dived into what you can expect from this betting site below:

• Mobile App

You can gamble on the go via the Sportsbook Rhode Island app as long as you’re within state lines. Available through the App Store or as an APK app for Android devices, you can use the mobile app to bet in real-time and keep on track of wagers. Apple users can even take advantage of exclusive mobile-only features like alerts, live updates, and additional navigational tools.

• Welcome Bonus

There is currently no welcome bonus on offer at Sportsbook Rhode Island. In states where multiple sportsbooks are competing for customers, many will offer enticing welcome bonuses to attract new bettors. Since Sportsbook Rhode Island is the only option for sports wagering in the state, it doesn’t have to compete with any other sportsbooks. Therefore, it looks unlikely that a welcome bonus will be introduced any time soon.

• Competitive Odds

Sportsbook Rhode Island may not have any in-state competition, but the betting site uses Caesars odds which are consistently competitive. Caesars is available in 17 states, and in each state it has to go up against some of the biggest betting operators in the US. That means the moneylines that bettors get in Rhode Island line up with DraftKings, BetMGM, and all the other big operators. Watch out for player prop bets on the NFL, where Sportsbook Rhode Island has particularly good odds.

• Market Coverage

With only one sportsbook available, you might guess bettors in Rhode Island have access to a limited selection of markets for betting. However, Caesars has built a reputation for offering extensive market coverage, and bettors can access most of Caesars’ professional sports markets that are available in other states. That includes markets for all the major leagues, including NFL and NBA, and a handful of niche sports like MMA and boxing. In addition, college sports betting is available. However, betting on in-state teams is prohibited by law so you won’t find these options on Sportsbook Rhode Island.

• Suitability for Beginner Bettors

Whereas new bettors in other states may be overwhelmed by having a wide variety of sportsbooks to choose from, Rhode Island’s single-sportsbook system is the perfect setup for those looking to place their first bets. Its user-friendly display makes navigating the site a breeze, and you can find every individual market for a particular sport laid out on the left of the screen. There is a list of featured bets for those who are not sure where to start. Meanwhile, the bet slip splits your bet up into your stake and profits, making reading American odds much easier for beginner bettors.

• Payout Speed

Sportsbook Rhode Island will typically process all withdrawal requests within 24 hours. Once this has been completed, the funds will take between 3-5 business days to reach your bank account. In terms of payout speed, this is in line with top sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings, both of which can also take up to five days to pay out to customers.

How to Place a Bet in Rhode Island

Online sports betting is still new to many in Rhode Island having been legalized in 2019. Follow our guide below to register with the Rhode Island Lottery-backed sportsbook and start placing legal bets:

1. Go to the Sportsbook Rhode Island site. If you have an Apple device, you can download the Sportsbook Rhode Island mobile app from the Apple App Store. Android users can download the Sportsbook Rhode Island APK file directly from the website.

2. Register an account by clicking the green ‘Join Now’ button. Enter your email address and create a memorable password. Fill in personal details, including your name, date of birth, phone number, address, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

3. Verify your account by following the link sent to your email address. You’ll need to provide proof of ID, proof of address, and proof of ownership of your chosen payment method to verify your identity.

4. Make your first deposit by using either a debit card or eCheck. The minimum amount you can deposit is $20.

5. Browse the sportsbook’s markets and choose one for your first bet. Add it to your bet slip, choose how much to wager, and place the bet.

6. If your bet is successful, return to the cashier section and follow the sportsbook’s instructions to withdraw.

Who is Eligible to Bet in RI?

Anyone who is at least 18 years old can register with a licensed sportsbook and place bets in Rhode Island. You just need to stay within the state’s borders. If you are betting on a mobile device, you must allow the sportsbook to access your geolocation services to prove you are within the state.

Some people and individuals in certain positions of authority are prohibited from betting, including:

• Athletes, coaches, or members of any professional sports team.

• Referees for professional and college sports leagues.

• Individuals with the professional authority to influence players.

• Individuals with a stake in a sports team.

• Individuals employed by the leagues that create rules for sports (e.g., NFL, NCAA).

• Individuals employed by organizations with licensing from the Rhode Island Lottery, including key staff, owners, directors, and officers.

• Individuals with non-public information about a sports team (e.g., player medical records).

• Individuals that have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling activities.

• Individuals prohibited from betting on a state or federal level (e.g., due to criminal history).

Latest Rhode Island Sports Betting Updates

Timeline for Sports Betting in Rhode Island

• June 2022: Senators unanimously approve SB 2496 that would, if passed by the House of Representatives, require the state’s casinos to pay Rhode Island's State Lottery Division no less than $200,000-a-year to finance problem gambling programmes.

• September 2020: Following the elimination of in-person registration, online sports wagers surge by 231.5%.

• July 2020: Gov. Raimondo signs HB 8097 to scrap previous in-person registration requirements for mobile betting.

• September 2019: Sportsbook Rhode Island mobile app is launched. To wager online, all bettors must register in person at one of the state’s two brick-and-mortar casinos.

• March 2019: Gov. Raimondo signs SB 37 to add mobile betting to the regulated sports wagering market.

• November 2018: The first legal sports wager is placed at Twin Rivers Lincoln Casino.

• June 2018: Gov. Raimondo legalizes sports wagering in Rhode Island by signing SB 2045 into law.

• May 2018: The US Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA). This allows each individual state to decide whether it will legalize sports betting.

Rhode Island Sports Betting Background

Rhode Island voters approved the legalization of pari-mutuel horse race betting almost a century ago, and the state’s first racetrack, Narragansett Park, opened its doors in 1934. Lincoln Downs followed just over a decade later, opening its thoroughbred lanes in 1947.

In 1973 a constitutional amendment passed to create a state lottery, and in 1974 the Rhode Island Lottery was launched. In 1988, the Ocean State became a member of the Multi-State Lottery Association.

After several states began utilizing pre-existing lottery infrastructure for sports betting operations, William Hill and IGT formed a partnership to offer a ‘full-service solution’ to US lotteries. The service uses William Hill’s odds-making and risk management services and IGT’s end-to-end sports betting platform, PlayShot. IGT’s PlayShot currently equips 39 of the US’ 45 state lotteries.

Sportsbook Rhode Island and the retail sportsbooks at the two land-based casinos are all powered by this partnership. William Hill is now owned and operating in the US under the name Caesars.

Future of Rhode Island Sports Betting

The only sports wagering platform currently available to bettors in the Ocean State is Sportsbook Rhode Island, following the signing of a multi-year contract with the Rhode Island Lottery. The contract, penned in 2018, will expire five years from the date of the first legal wager placed. From November 2023, a new commercial sportsbook could potentially take over from Caesars and IGT as the state’s primary sports wagering platform.

Although Rhode Island legalized Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) in 2016, Sportsbook Rhode Island doesn’t currently offer any DFS games. However, with the potential introduction of a new sportsbook in 2023, Ocean State bettors may be able to bet on regulated DFS markets in the future.

Rhode Island Sports Betting Locations

Retail sports betting in Rhode Island is available at the state’s two licensed casinos; Bally’s Twin River Lincoln and Bally’s Twin River Tiverton. Further legislation would have to be passed to allow another casino or retail sports betting location to open in Rhode Island. Other than Bally’s plans to expand its Lincoln casino, there are no plans to open more casinos in Rhode Island in the near future.

RI residents looking for more casino and retail sports betting can travel out of state to neighboring areas. New York has 11 land-based casinos with retail sports betting, and so does New Jersey. Rhode Islanders can also visit Connecticut’s two tribal casinos, where retail sports betting is permitted.

Bally’s Twin River Lincoln

• Address: 100 Twin River Road, Lincoln, RI 02865.

• Website: https://www.ballys.com/lincoln/

• Phone Number: (844) 922-5597

• Operator: Sportsbook Rhode Island

Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Sportsbook Bar and Grill offers a wide range of sports for bettors to place wagers on, including basketball, baseball, football, hockey, soccer, MMA, auto racing, and golf. This large purpose-built venue, located on the casino’s second and third floors, is fitted with over 100 TVs and 17 betting kiosks, alongside odds boards and a full bar and dining menu. It is open seven days a week, starting between 9am-11am and closing between 8pm-10 pm, depending on the day. The rest of the casino boasts nine different locations to eat, 24-hour gambling, table games, slots, and a hotel.

Bally’s Twin River Tiverton

• Address: 777 Tiverton Casino Boulevard, Tiverton, RI 02878

• Website: https://www.ballys.com/tiverton/

• Phone Number: (401) 816-6000

• Operator: Sportsbook Rhode Island

Much like its partner casino, Bally’s Twin River Tiverton offers bettors the chance to place wagers on major league sports at its retail sportsbook, which is open seven days a week. Additionally, bettors will find 39,000 square feet of gaming space, with a 24-hour casino, including table games, a social casino, and over a thousand video slots. Various dining options are also available, with a Casino Cafe & Grille, four different fast-food joints, and a lively center bar with live music and a DJ.

Rhode Island Lottery Locations

The Rhode Island Lottery was created in November 1973 when a Constitutional Amendment passed by a margin of more than three to one. The first lottery draw was held on May 30, 1974. The Rhode Island Lottery operates the only online sportsbook in the state, Sportsbook Rhode Island, and regulates all retail sports betting. However, you can’t place sports bets at retail lottery locations.

Off-Track and Stadium Betting Locations

Currently, the Rhode Island Lottery only licenses two casinos to provide retail sports betting. You can’t find any wagering opportunities at any stadiums. Pari-mutuel horse racing betting is overseen by The Division of Commercial Licensing and Gaming and Athletics section of the Department of Business Regulation. Pari-mutuel horse racing has been legal since 1934, but there are only two OTB operators left, the two licensed casinos in the state.

Rhode Island Responsible Gambling Resources

• Rhode Island National Council on Problem Gambling – The Rhode Island division of the NCPG that pools together all of the state’s problem gambling resources. (401) 354-2877

• The Substance Use and Mental Health Leadership Council of RI – The confidential freephone service is available 24/7 to listen, offer help, and provide information to problem gamblers. (877) 942-6253

• Problem Gambling Services of Rhode Island – Provides information on self-assessment and indications of problem gambling, alongside individual, family, and group therapy services. (401) 499-2472

Currently, there is no state-wide self-exclusion program in Rhode Island. However, SB 2496, sponsored by Senator Frank Ciccone, among others, proposes the state introduce a self-exclusion program and other responsible gambling measures. However, the state’s retail sportsbooks both offer a self-exclusion option. Sportsbook Rhode Island also offers responsible gambling help like links to support organizations.

Teams to Bet on in Rhode Island

• Pro Sports

There are no major league sports teams in Rhode Island for a couple of reasons. Firstly, Rhode Island only has a small population compared to other states in the area, offering less incentive for the franchising of a major league team. Secondly, there are already several large major league teams representing the New England area – particularly in Boston, Massachusetts - and nearby New York which dominate the sporting landscape and would draw away the fanbase of any prospective Rhode Island franchise.

• Minor League Sports

Following the Pawtucket Red Socks' relocation to Worcester, Massachusetts, in 2020 there is now only one minor league sports team in Rhode Island.

Competing in the American Hockey League, the Providence Bruins are a moderately successful ice hockey team playing at the Dunkin Donuts Centre in Providence, Rhode Island. The Bruins are an affiliate of the NHL’s Boston Bruins and the ECHL’s Maine Mariners. Despite winning seven division championships, and three regular-season titles, the team only has one Calder Cup Trophy. That lone triumph came in the 1998-99 season.

• College Sports

Brown Bears: Brown University Brown Bears have several successful teams, including the historic men's ice hockey team that won the inaugural Ivy League. The football team, which plays in the 20,000-seater Brown stadium, has not won a conference title since 2008. The Brown Bears basketball and ice hockey teams have won only one title between them in the past century.

Bryant Bulldogs: Becoming a full NCAA Division I member in 2012, the Bryant Bulldogs represent the Smithfield-based Bryant University. Its baseball team has won nine conference championships, while the basketball team went to the NCAA Men’s Tournament in 2022 after winning the Northeast Conference.

Providence Friars: While its basketball team has appeared in the NCAA Men’s Tournament 21 times, it’s the ice hockey program that has been most successful for Providence College. The Friars ice hockey team won the NCAA ice hockey championship in 2015, finished runners-up in 1985, and made the Frozen Four on three other occasions.

Rhode Island Rams: With a basketball team that has 10 NCAA Men’s Tournament appearances, a baseball team with six A-10 regular-season championships, alongside a competitive football team, the University of Rhode Island Rams are a big attraction as a college sports team.

• Women’s Sports

There are no professional women’s teams in Rhode Island, but there are lots of successful NCAA women’s programs. For example, the Rhode Island Rams won seven consecutive conference tournament championships in ice hockey between 2004 and 2010.

How Does Rhode Island Compare to Other States?

Market Coverage

Sportsbook Rhode Island offers plenty of markets on major league sports like the NFL, MLB, and NBA. However, there aren’t many niche sports covered. You will find betting lines for MMA, but there isn't much outside of the most popular US sports. You can bet on college sports in Rhode Island, but you can’t bet on in-state teams or games played in the Ocean State. This is more restrictive than states like Nevada, where you can place any college bets you want, and other states where multiple sportsbooks are available to offer a broader range of markets.

Competitive Odds & Prices

The odds at Sportsbook Rhode Island are reasonably competitive, with its moneylines odds comparable to some of the top sportsbooks in the US like DraftKings. In particular, the sportsbook’s MLB odds are very generous. However, Sportsbook Rhode Island does not offer frequent bonuses like odds boosts which other US operators such as BetMGM do. Its retail sportsbooks odds match up with betting lines offered at online and offline sportsbooks across the country.

Gambling Revenue

The Rhode Island Lottery operates the only online sportsbook in the state, so all revenue goes to this regulatory body. However, IGT helps with the running of Sportsbook Rhode Island and both retail sportsbooks. Betting revenue is split, so the Rhode Island Lottery keeps 51%, 32% goes to IGT, and the casinos get 17%.

Rhode Island has collected $1,163,771,101 in sports betting handle as of July 2022. The Lottery has kept $50,876,752 in taxes from this amount. The overall sports betting revenue has been $99,758,337.

Betting Taxes

All gambling winnings are taxed by the IRS, and you must declare all your gambling winnings when filing your taxes. In addition, if you earn more than $600 through sports betting, you must fill out a W-2G form. Sportsbooks can also hold 25% of your winnings for tax purposes.

In addition to paying taxes to the IRS, you should include your sports betting winnings in your state income tax payments. Individual income tax in the state ranges from 3.75% to 5.99%, depending on your income and marital status.

According to the Internal Revenue Code, a sportsbook doesn’t just pay taxes to the state and must also pay an excise tax of 0.25% on its betting handle. Every employee involved in accepting wagers incurs another $50 tax as well.

Who Oversees Sports Betting in Rhode Island?

The Rhode Island Lottery oversees all sports betting in Rhode Island. The Lottery is responsible for ensuring its own online sportsbook and the two retail sportsbooks stick to the state’s regulations. It also ensures these sportsbooks keep players’ personal and financial information safe.

The Rhode Island Lottery has been operating since 1974 and employs more than 100 people to carry out its regulatory service and other gambling responsibilities.