When will sports betting be legal in Rhode Island?
Sports betting is legal online and at two physical sportsbooks in Rhode Island. While it's legal, the state doesn't have easiest method to bet on sports.
Technically, sports betting was approved by voters in a 2012 referendum asking if the state's two casinos should be allowed to offer gambling (sports betting included). While that passed, it wasn't until PASPA was repealed in 2018 that the casinos could start taking bets.
And so, the state decided to create new legislation in 2018 for a sports betting budget complete with language to formally legalize sports betting. A similar route was taken for online and mobile betting that was legalized in early 2019 through the two casinos partnered with IGT and William Hill.
The main issue for bettors is that in order to bet online in Rhode Island, residents must register in person at either of the casinos and then betting can be done through the state lottery. As a positive, Rhode Island is one of the few states that has a minimum age limit of 18 years old.
Daily Fantasy Sports and horse racing betting are also allowed in the state, though the former is not considered legal. While lawmakers have tried to enact legislation, the state lottery believes DFS contests meet the definition of "gambling" and so any attempt to regulate the industry would violate the constitution. Neither side can come to an agreement, but since there is no formal legislation in regards to fantasy sports, it remains allowed in Rhode Island.
Retail Sportsbooks
Tiverton Casino, Tiverton
The sportsbook is part of the simulcast theater where they live stream horse races throughout the country.
Monday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Saturday - Sunday: 9 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Twin River Casino, Lincoln
The Sportsbook Bar & Grill is a 3,600-square-foot dedicated sports betting area featuring 100 TVs, odds boards, betting windows and comfortable seating. Twin River also has a second sportsbook on weekends next to the simulcast theater on the third floor in addition to an auxiliary betting area on the second floor.
Monday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Saturday - Sunday: 9 a.m. - 12 a.m.