Rhode Island Sports Betting Bill Tracker
For being such a small state, Rhode Island has a big place in the sports betting world. Voters quietly approved sports betting in both 2012 and 2016 via referendums, though the main focus during both occasions was casino expansion. The New Jersey sports betting case is what prompted state legislators thoroughly begin assessing what impacts regulated sports betting could have on the local economy.
According to the American Gaming Association, Americans wager more than $150 billion at offshore online sportsbooks. These sites are unregulated, which means Rhode Island government cannot benefit from the rewards from the revenue generated on an online offshore sportsbook. Rhode Island only has two casinos, but they still manage to have a $ 1,033,518,460 economic impact and bring in $ 494,467,312 in tax revenue. Adding sportsbooks to the mix has only increased these numbers over time.
With the Supreme Court ruling in Murphy vs. NCAA and the prospect of widespread sports betting legalization, Gov. Gina Raimondo formally signed Rhode Island sports betting into law with her approval of the state budget in June 2018. The law permits the Twin Rivers casinos to accept single-game sports wagers, with the revenue share agreement sending 51 percent to the state, 32 percent to the vendor, and 17 percent to the casino.
Rhode Island has not only legalized sports betting for the entire state, they have improved upon it as well. You can now bet anywhere in the state thanks to online mobile sports wagering. All you have to do is head over to one of the two Twin River Casinos, register your account, and then you are free to place your bets no matter where you are in the state. Although we would have preferred for you to register remotely, this is a vast improvement to not having mobile betting at all.
Current Rhode Island Sports Betting Laws
Introduced By: Representative Marvin L. Abney
Summary: The 2019 state budget bill included initiatives such as additional education aid, mental health funding, and building investments. The budget also focused on legalizing sports gambling in order to assist with economic development.
Excerpt: “42-61.2-2.4. State to conduct sports wagering hosted by Twin River and the Tiverton 13 Gaming Facility. – (g) State operated sports wagering shall be operated by the state through the division of lotteries. Sports wagering may be conducted at (i) the Twin River Gaming Facility, located in Lincoln… and at (ii) the Tiverton Gaming Facility, located in Tiverton…“
Actions:
- 06-22-2018 (H) – Signed by Governor
- 06-21-2018 (H) – Transmitted to Governor
- 06-20-2018 (S) – Senate passed Sub A as amended in concurrence
- 06-19-2018 (S) – Place on Senate Calendar
- 06-19-2018 (S) – Committee recommends passage of Sub A as amended in concurrence
- 06-16-2018 (S) – Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
- 06-16-2018 (S) – Referred to Senate Finance
- 06-15-2018 (H) – House passed Sub A as amended (floor amendment)
- 06-08-2018 (H) – Placed on House Calendar
- 06-08-2018 (H) – Committee recommends passage of Sub A
- 06-06-2018 (H) – Scheduled for consideration
- 06-07-2018 (H) – Meeting postponed
- 06-05-2018 (H) – Scheduled for consideration
- 01-18-2018 (H) – Introduced, referred to House Finance
Introduced By: Senators Ruggerio, Goodwin, McCaffrey, Algiere, and Conley
Summary: Authorizes and provide for online sports wagering through authorized hosting facilities in Rhode Island.
Excerpt: “In addition to the powers and duties of the division director under §§ 42-61-4, 42- 19 61.2-3, 42-61.2-4 and 42-61.2-3.1, and pursuant to § 42-61.2-2.4, the division director shall 20 promulgate rules and regulations relating to sports wagering and set policy therefor. These rules 21 and regulations shall establish standards and procedures for sports wagering and associated 22 devices, equipment…”
Actions:
- 03-25-2019 – Signed by Governor
- 03-19-2019 (S) – Transmitted to Governor
- 03-12-2019 (H) – House passed Sub A in concurrence
- 03-08-2019 (H) – Placed on House Calendar
- 03-05-2019 (H) – Committee recommends passage of Sub A in concurrence
- 03-01-2019 (H) – Scheduled for consideration
- 02-14-2019 (H) – Referred to House Finance
- 02-13-2019 (S) – Senate passed Sub A
- 02-07-2019 (S) – Placed on Senate Calendar
- 02-06-2019 (S) – Committee recommends passage of Sub A
- 02-06-2019 (S) – Committee recommended indefinite postponement
- 02-01-2019 (S) – Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration
- 01-16-2019 (S) – Introduced, referred to Senate Special Legislation and Veterans
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Rhode Island Sports Betting Bill FAQ’s
How Old Do I Need To Be To Wager On Sports In Rhode Island?
The legal sports betting age in Rhode Island is 18 years old, the same as the general gambling age. Rhode Island sports fans can start wagering much sooner than residents of many other states. The offshore online sportsbooks that accept Rhode Island residents also require bettors to be at least 18.
What Sports Can I Legally Bet On In Rhode Island?
Legal Rhode Island sportsbooks offer a full-scale wagering experience, though there are some limitations. Bookmakers will accept wagers on nearly every professional team, however, bets cannot be placed on Rhode Island collegiate teams. In addition, wagers will not be accepted on college level events that take place in RI.
Where Can I Legally Bet On Sports In Rhode Island?
The two locations that can legally accept sports wagers in Rhode Island are the Twin River Casino (Lincoln) and the Twin River Tiverton. This has been recently expanded upon. Although no new physical sportsbooks have opened up yet, mobile and online wagering are available for you now. All you have to do is head over to one of the Twin River locations to register for your account, and you can take the action no matter where you go using your mobile device. Of course, you can also do that if you decide to use an offshore online sportsbook like Bovada or BetOnline.
Who Will Oversee Sports Betting In R.I?
The Division of Lotteries is responsible for overseeing sports wagering in Rhode Island. The Division has a preexisting partnership with the Department of Business Regulation to ensure that the Twin River and Tiverton casino facilities meet regulatory standards. International Game Technology (IGT) will provide the technological infrastructure for legal sports betting in RI.