Mobile Sports Betting Officially Legalized In Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI — Governor Gina Raimondo signed a bill Monday legalizing online sports betting in Rhode Island. Under the new law, online sports gambling will be allowed anywhere within the state through an app. The legislation was introduced by Senate President Dominick Ruggierio and Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello.

"Today, Governor Raimondo signed legislation opening the door for online sports betting in Rhode Island," said Josh Block, a spokesperson for the governor. "Sports betting has been very popular since it was first introduced last year, and the revenue it creates helps support critical investments in education, health care, infrastructure and more."

In order the use the app, users will have to first go to Twin River Casino in Tiverton or Lincoln in person to set up an account. Once the account has been created, bets can be placed anywhere in the state from the user's phone. Using location tracking technology, the system will monitor bets to make sure they are placed within the state and refuse all bets placed outside of Rhode Island.

"The new in-person sportsbook that opened in November has been very popular, with lines sometimes stretching out the doors," Ruggerio said previously. "It is an entertainment option that many Rhode Islanders enjoy, and visitors from outside the state are also flocking to our gaming facilities to place their wagers on sporting events. Expanding to mobile gaming would provide a convenient option for those wishing to enjoy this form of entertainment, and open up the economic benefits beyond the walls of Twin River."

The bill was approved by the Senate on February 13 and by the House of Representatives a month later on March 12.

"This revenue, along with the revenue we anticipate from an expansion to mobile gaming is a tremendous benefit to the state," Mattiello said. "It’s an added benefit that we can capture revenue that would have otherwise gone to an illegal market. When you consider that up to 97 percent of sports wagering is done illegally, it makes good sense for the state to increase its revenue by providing an entertainment that can be done safely and legally."

While the legislation was still under consideration, Boston-based fantasy sports app DraftKings sponsored Twitter advertisements calling for residents to support the bill.

Rhode Island's law is modeled after several other states, including New Jersey, that have already approved mobile sports betting. As with in-person sports betting, the state will keep 51 percent of all winnings, one of the highest amounts in the country.

READ MORE:

• RI Lawmakers Approve Mobile Sports Betting Bill
• RI Senate Passes Mobile Sports Betting Bill
• DraftKings Pushing For Online Sports Betting In RI