Are you interested in the exciting world of Rhode Island sports betting? Wagering on your favorite sports is an appealing idea for some, but getting to grips with the process can be difficult.
However, you’ve come to the right place! We’re here to walk you through the online and retail sports betting industry in Rhode Island. In this guide, we’ll look at the best sites, taxes, the online sports betting law, the retail sportsbooks, and the popular local teams in RI!
So, is online sports betting legal in Rhode Island? How can you get involved? What are the best betting bonuses? Find out now!
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Discover Rhode Island’s best online sportsbook.
- Find out the best place to gamble in Rhode Island.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Rhode Island?
Retail Rhode Island sports betting was legalized in 2018 with the passing of S2045, also known as ‘An Act Relating to State Affairs and Government – Twin River and the Tiverton Gaming Facility’.
However, the act legalized retail sports betting, not online sports betting. It also only allows retail sports betting at the state’s two casinos named above. Physical sports betting was officially legalized on June 22, 2018, with the market launching on November 26, 2018.
Is online sports betting legal in Rhode Island? While S2045 didn’t approve online sports betting, it paved the way. Less than a year later, the activity would be approved. With the passing of SB37, which was signed into law on March 19, 2019, the state officially legalized online sports betting. The market officially launched on September 4, 2019.
At first, residents were required to visit a retail location to open their accounts at Rhode Island sports betting apps. The passing of SB2919 and HB8097 changed that. Today, residents can open their accounts and verify their identity entirely online. This has made it easier than ever for bettors to bet online.
→ If you’d like to learn more about legal sports betting in the US, you’re in luck! We have created a guide about states where online sports betting is legal in the United States.Â
10 Quick Facts About Rhode Island’s Sports Betting Laws
Are you interested in learning more about Rhode Island sports betting? We’ve pulled together 10 of our favorite facts about the state’s sporting betting industry:
- Rhode Island’s law: Sports betting in Rhode Island is legal both online and in person at specific locations. Two retail bookmakers and one online sportsbook are available. With the passing of S2045 legalizing sports betting and then SB37 approving online sports betting, sports betting has been welcomed to RI. Online sports betting is only legal through the Rhode Island Lottery’s Sportsbook.
- Legal age: You need to be at least 18 to fulfill the Rhode Island sports betting age requirement. This makes the state one of the most lenient, with most others requiring bettors to be at least 21.Â
- State borders: Rhode Island shares borders with two states and one ocean. To the north and east lies Massachusetts and to the west lies Connecticut. The Atlantic Ocean runs along the state’s southern border. Both neighboring states have also legalized in-person and online sports betting.
- Retail bookmakers: Two retail bookmakers host retail Rhode Island sports betting:
- Twin River Lincoln Casino in Lincoln
- Twin River Tiverton Casino in Tiverton
- Taxes: Bettors in Rhode Island must pay taxes on their winnings, and losses are not deductible. This means that you’ll be paying taxes on everything you win, regardless of the losses you take in the process.
- Regulating body: Rhode Island sports betting is governed by the Rhode Island Lottery. All gambling in the state goes through the lottery, meaning that third-party online providers are not allowed.
- Few bookmakers: In addition to the two retail locations mentioned above, Rhode Island mobile sports betting fans have one other option. Sportsbook Rhode Island is run by the Rhode Island Lottery and allows bettors to wager from their mobile devices.
- Sportsbook apps: Sportsbook Rhode Island offers users a comprehensive sportsbook app. This allows you to bet on numerous sports, including football, basketball, tennis, soccer and more, on a variety of different devices.
- Collegiate sports betting: Sports betting on college teams playing in Rhode Island or any Rhode Island college teams is prohibited. Exemptions for specific tournaments might occur for other state college teams and games outside of RI, but it’s always a good idea to double-check with the lottery before you bet.
- More betting options: In addition to Rhode Island sports betting, bettors can enjoy other options such as casino gambling, horse racing, fantasy sports, and lotteries such as Mega Millions and Powerball.
How to Bet on Sports in Rhode Island?
If you’re in the market for a Rhode Island sports betting guide, you’re in luck! While the process isn’t too difficult to understand, I remember when I was new to the industry. Sometimes even the smallest things can be intimidating!
Let’s take a look at how to place a sports bet in Rhode Island:
- First, you need to pick your perfect sportsbook. In Rhode Island, you have one option for online bookmakers and two options for retail spaces. Retail locations can be selected according to which is closest to you – both bookmakers offer much the same services.
- Next, create an account. If you’re betting in person, this might not be an issue. For online sports bettors, however, you have to sign up before you can bet. In both instances, make sure that you have your state-issued ID on hand. Pick your username and password, enter the personal information requested, and log in.Â
- Funding your account is the next step for online bettors. You can typically use a debit card to transfer securely between your bank account and your sportsbook account. The same is true of retail betting, but you can add cash as a highly effective funding option.
- Finally, it’s time to place a bet! Placing a bet online might be intimidating at first, but don’t worry – we’re here to help. I remember being overwhelmed by the sheer number of sports betting markets available. Stick to what you know for this first bet. Find the team or event upon which you want to bet, decide how much you’re spending, and submit the wager. The process for retail bettors is essentially the same.
That’s it! In these four simple steps, you can enjoy Rhode Island online sports betting on various sports. Whether you’re a football, basketball, hockey or baseball fan, there are plenty of sports betting opportunities!
Top Rhode Island Sports Betting Sites and Apps
Online Rhode Island sports betting begins here. We have information about the best Rhode Island online operators to help you dive into the actual betting process!
Let’s take a look at the only state’s secure and regulated internet-based bookmaker: Sportsbook Rhode Island.
Sportsbook Rhode Island
- Welcome Offer: N/A
- Minimum Deposit: N/A
- Wagering Requirement: N/A
If you’re looking for the best Rhode Island online sports betting sites, have no fear! While Sportsbook Rhode Island is the state’s only legal online sports wagering option, it also happens to be a fully featured app with plenty of sports markets to peruse. With an accessible interface and competitive odds, this sportsbook is a sports betting powerhouse in Rhode Island.Â
The app doesn’t currently have any welcome bonuses, but keep an eye out for any updates on Rhode Island sportsbook promos. Previous offers have included a 50% bonus bet from the initial deposit (up to a maximum of $50).
Example: Let’s say that you deposited $40 – your account would then automatically be credited $20 in Bonus Bets.
Whether you want to bet on American favorites such as football or baseball, or you would like to branch out into international markets, Sportsbook Rhode Island is the app for you!
Popular Sports and Teams in the Rhode Island Betting Scene
Rhode Island does not have an abundance of local teams. This doesn’t mean that the residents aren’t big sports fans, however, or that they are lacking in choice.
Professional teams local to the state include:
- Providence Bruins (ice hockey, AHL)
- Rhode Island FC (soccer, USL)
While both teams enjoy a strong fanbase in Rhode Island, the state’s favorite professional teams are the Bruins, the Boston Celtics (NBA) and the New England Patriots (NFL).
Collegiate sports are also popular in Rhode Island, though sports wagering on them is restricted to certain tournaments. Among the most well-known and popular college teams are:
- Brown Bears (Brown University)
- Providence Friars (Providence College)
- Rams (University of Rhode Island)
For some sports fans, their loyalty spans across the world. Even though the Patriots aren’t RI locals, the loyalty extends beyond the state borders and across the whole country! Patriots fans have even been known to travel to distant locations to see their beloved team play.
Fun fact: In 2023, the Patriots traveled to Germany for a special Deutschland debut. Instead of feeling like the odd one out in a foreign country, the team felt right at home. Not only did European fans turn out in droves, but American fans showed up in surprising numbers.
Alexandra Francisco, a staff writer at the Patriots’ official website, describes the turnout:
Those Patriots fans traveled far and wide to see their favorite team come to Europe, creating a strong presence that grew immensely towards the end of the week… For Americans, especially those from New England, this foreign land made them feel right at home.
Alexandra Francisco
Describing one fan’s exhausting attempts to secure tickets, Francisco writes:
I woke up at 3 a.m. to try and get tickets. I sat in a million-person queue and didn’t get them. I continued to try every week, and we eventually got tickets, said Broms’ daughter, Caroline
Alexandra Francisco
This just shows the lengths that fans will go to follow sports teams, and the excitement around following their favorite teams – and this excitement carries over into sports betting!
The Impact of Local Teams on Sports Betting
Team performance has a sizable impact on betting trends. You might immediately think of winning or losing sports games when coming up with examples, but there’s more to it than that. While teams that win more are going to receive more bets, seemingly innocuous things such as picking up players and letting them go can cause ripples.
Bill Simmons, a popular New England sports pundit, says this about the Patriots’ 2024 player additions:
I’m trying to figure out what the Patriots are doing… They don’t have a future QB. They don’t have a left tackle. They don’t have an impact receiver.
Their only above-average skill position guy is Rhamondre Stevenson, who’s not even a top-10 running back. They’re a D+ offense. New coach. They’re the cheapest team in the last 10 years for spending.
Bill Simmons
As you can see, drafts have a significant impact on team analysis. Some sports bettors will hesitate to spend much on the Patriots until after they see their new additions.
However, the Patriots’ track record of six previous Super Bowl wins – with the last being in 2019 – means that there is still keen interest in what they will do next and how this can be played in sports betting!
Fun fact: In Rhode Island, a whopping $6.5m worth of wagers were bet on the 2019 Super Bowl!
Upcoming Events
Don’t miss your favorite sporting events. We know how disappointing it can be to get excited about an event only to lose track of time and lose out on betting entirely. To help keep our readers informed, we list the important upcoming events right here. Check here often – we’ll keep it updated!
Are There More Gambling Options in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island sports betting is not the only gambling option in the state. There are various gambling venues and types, including:
- Casino betting
- Fantasy sports betting
- Lottery
- Casino wagering in Rhode Island is served via the state’s two brick-and-mortar casinos. You can bet on table games and video slots.
- Daily fantasy sports betting became legal in 2016. While there is no specific law governing fantasy sports betting, residents are allowed to wager on them all the same.
- Finally, Rhode Island residents have access to the Rhode Island Lottery, more commonly referred to as the ‘the Lot’. You can gamble via scratchers, number draws and iLottery games from the Lot’s official website.
Maximizing Your Bets
You have almost everything you need to get started with Rhode Island sports betting but don’t start quite yet. We’ve put together some important tips regarding maximizing your wagers and paying taxes on your winnings.Â
Tips and Strategies for Rhode Island Bettors
When I began online sports betting, I struggled a bit with all the options. There are so many markets to choose from! To help you make smarter choices than I made back then, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Research: The most significant piece of advice that I have for you is to do your research. Never bet blindly! I recommend that you stick with the markets and teams you know well. Once you have a better idea of how sports betting works, you can expand into different markets. Always look into sports, leagues, and teams that you are unfamiliar with before you place a bet.
- Understand odds and types of bets: A key way to get into sports betting is by understanding the most common bet types you can wager. A rule of thumb is that positive numbers represent favorites and negative numbers are reserved for the underdogs. You can bet on a range of wagers, including parlays, futures, moneyline, straight and spreads, so make sure that you know what these all entail.Â
- Manage your bankroll: Beyond doing your research, create a budget and stick to it even when emotions are running high. Do not chase your losses, and know when to stop. This will help ensure that you keep your spending on track and don’t lose essential funds.
Remember, these are just a few tips to help you get started. We also have a more in-depth guide about how to be better at sports betting.
Understanding Taxes and Payouts
How do sports betting taxes work? Understanding betting taxes is both the most important and most confusing element of Rhode Island sports betting laws. We’re here to make the process as easy as possible.
Rhode Island sports betting revenue is taxed by 51%. Bettors also pay income tax on their winnings via IRS Form W-2 G.
One critical fact about taxing Rhode Island sports betting winnings is that losses are not deductible. In many other states (though not all of them), you can deduct the amount of money you lost from the amount of money you won and pay taxes only on the profits.
→ In Rhode Island, you pay taxes on all winnings regardless of losses.
Example: What happens if you win $10,000 but lose $11,000 over a fiscal year? In Rhode Island, you’ll pay taxes on $10,000. Your losses are not considered when assessing taxes.
What About Physical Sports Betting Locations?
Retail Rhode Island sports betting is available at two locations:
- Twin River Lincoln Casino (Lincoln, RI)
- Twin River Tiverton Casino (Tiverton, RI)
Bettors can wager on various sports markets at both locations. These include, but are not limited to:
- Football
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Hockey
Of the two retail sports betting options in Rhode Island, Twin River Lincoln tends to be the go-to sportsbook. One Google reviewer explains his preference for the location:
I have to give credit where credit is due! Ken, who manages the Sportsbook was super helpful with helping me navigate through the ‘Cash-Out at Sportsbook’ feature using their online betting app. I’m grateful for his superior customer support with my 1st-time experience in using this feature!
From Google Review
So, Will You Bet from Rhode Island Tonight?
Now that you’ve made it all the way through this guide, you’re ready to start betting! You should know what sports betting opportunities are on offer in Rhode Island and how to make the most out of your wagering experience.
Keep the above tips and information in mind as you dip your toes into the RI sports markets. Are you ready to learn even more about maximizing your bets? Take a look at our free-to-use tools by consulting our educative sports betting page.