Amelia Walker, a J.D. holder and senior content writer at Betting.us, is a legal expert in responsible gambling. Initially skeptical, she now has over six years in professional gambling. She’s studied gambling law and currently educates gamblers on our site in legal and safe play.
Sports Betting in Rhode Island
By Amelia Walker
Senior Content Writer at Betting.us
Updated: December 14, 2023
Welcome to the world of sports betting in the state of Rhode Island. In this article we would like to cover all of the options that you have when it comes to gambling on sports in RI. Although it is one of the smaller states in the USA, it still offers a lot to gambling enthusiasts.
Full List and Map of Sports Betting Locations in Rhode Island
If you would like to know where the sportsbook locations are, below we have prepared a fully interactive map with all legal sportsbooks in Rhode Island divided by filters for your convenience.
The Best Rhode Island Sportsbooks
| Name | Type | Website | Full Address | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin River | Casino Resort | www.twinriver.com | 100 Twin River Rd, Lincoln, RI 02865, USA | Read Review |
Betting Locations by Type
When it comes to betting locations, there are different types of them that you can visit depending on your needs. Since most legal sportsbooks in the USA are currently inside of state casinos, you can also indulge in table games and slot games. Some casinos also have a hotel part and you can turn your gambling trip into a holiday with the family. Others have their own racetrack where you can place some bets on horses, auto racing etc.
In the case of Rhode Island, there are only two legal sportsbooks, and both are state legal casino resorts. This gives you the perfect opportunity to not only enjoy casino games and sports betting, but also leisure and SPA facilities.
Casino Resorts
Keeping in mind that there are only two locations for sports betting in Rhode Island, they also happen to be casino resorts, as to cater to a wide variety of gamblers. You can expect to find the convenience of a hotel on site, multiple bars and restaurants to fit your tastes and plenty of entertainment and relaxation options.
| Casino Resorts | Number of Rooms | Free Parking | Resort Amenities | Review link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin River Casino & Hotel | 136 Hotel Rooms | Free Parking Spots | Live Events ,Wellness Facilities | Read Review |
| Tiverton Casino & Hotel | 83 Hotel Rooms | Free Parking Spots | Fitness Facilities ,Gift Shops | Read Review |
Racetracks
In the past, racetracks and horse racing were very popular in Rhode Island. With the passage of time, the tracks closed one by one and currently no racetrack location is left active even though horse racing and betting are legal in the state.
Off-Track Betting
Although off-track betting is legal in the state of Rhode Island, there are no off-track betting locations due to the fact that there are no racetracks currently active. From our research we can say that you can still bet on horse races from the legal sportsbook locations in the state casinos.
Cruise Ships and Riverboats
Cruise ships or riverboats with sportsbooks on board were very popular before sports betting was legislated as the vessels would travel out to international waters so the US federal law no longer applied. There are no such ships in the region or Rhode Island but the most famous cruise ship that you can get on and indulge in gambling is the “Oasis of The Seas Cruise” by Royal Caribbean.
List of Legal Offline Sportsbooks in Rhode Island
Below we would like to present to you the legal offline sportsbooks in the state of Rhode Island grouped by the town they are based in. This way you can easily find the nearest one near you or plan a trip that involves those towns.
Search for Sportsbooks in Rhode Island
| Casino Name: | Address: | Secure Link: | City: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln | |||
| Twin River | 100 Twin River Rd, Lincoln, RI 02865, USA | ||
| Twin River Casino Hotel | 100 Twin River Rd | Our review will be available soon! | |
| Tiverton | |||
| Tiverton | 777 Tiverton Casino Blvd, Tiverton, RI 02878, USA | ||
| Tiverton Casino Hotel | 777 Tiverton Casino Blvd | Our review will be available soon! | |
Rhode Island Sports Gambling - All Leagues and Bet Types
The world of sports betting is filled with different terms, organizations and acronyms that can make your head spin. That’s why we have gathered all the necessary information for sports betting in Rhode Island in regard to what you can bet on as a sport, which leagues and the types of bets you can place down.
- SPORTS
-
See AllSoccer - (USL)United Soccer Leagues
- (MLS)Major League Soccer
Hockey - (NHL)National Hockey League
Baseball - (MLB) Major League Baseball
- (MiLB)Minor League Baseball
Basketball - (NBA)National Basketball Association
Golf - (US Open)United States Open Golf Championship
- (US Amateur)United States Open Golf Amateur Championship
MMA - (UFC)Ultimate Fighting Championship
- (ONE FC)ONE Fighting Championship
Football - (NFL)National Football League
- (NCAA)National Colegiate Athletic Association
-
Bet Types:
- Off-Track (Simulcast) Betting
-
The State Law Allows Off-Track Betting
Where Can I Check the Current Betting Odds and Lines?
If you are interested in sports betting there is no way avoiding your interest in the odds and lines for each event. The only way you can get that information is by visiting the sportsbooks themselves in Rhode Island as they are the only place where it is legal to show them. They are provided by the sports betting operator William Hill.
Legal Sports Betting in Rhode Island
In this section, you can find all the crucial information that answers the question of whether sports betting is legal in Rhode Island and its peculiarities.
Is sports betting legal in Rhode Island?
Sports betting in Rhode Island is legal since 2018.
Legal age for sports betting?
You need to be at least 18 years old.
Can you bet online in Rhode Island?
No, online and mobile betting is not yet legal in Rhode Island.
Is fantasy sports betting allowed?
Yes, Rhode Island allows fantasy sports betting.
Is off-track betting allowed?
Yes, it is allowed, but there are no racetracks in the state, nor off-track betting locations.
Are there any restrictions?
No mobile or online betting for now.
Who regulates RI sports betting?
It is regulated by federal law and the provider William Hill.
History of Sports Betting in Rhode Island
In this section we would like to talk about the history of the state about gambling. Rhode Island has very an extensive history with different types of gambling, so make sure to check it out below.
| Year | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1896 | Outlawing Bookmaking and Sports Betting | Section 11-19-14 of the General Laws is accepted and bans bookmaking and sports betting |
| 1973 | Birth of State Lottery | On the 6th November thanks to the power of the voters who won with a majority of 61%, Proposal 4 was passed, which authorized the creation of the Rhode Island lottery |
| 1991 | Occasional Off-Track Betting | 7th June, the Governor Bruce Sundlin signs a budget package containing a provision that allows certain days to be devoted to off-track betting at two locations in the state. They were Newport Jai Alai and Lincoln Greyhound Park where simulcasts were added |
| 2010 | The Ban on Greyhound Racing | May 15th, Governor Donald Carcieri banned greyhound racing in an effort to divest Twin River Casino of its pari-mutuel racing obligations |
| 2016 | Establishing a New Casino | November 6th, voters approve the construction of a new casino in Tiverton with a majority of 55%. Later, the town of Tiverton held its own vote on the subject, where again voters approved with a majority paving the way for the Twin River Management to solidify their place in the gambling industry in the state |
| 2018 | Legalization of Sports Betting | The US Supreme Court removes PASPA and sports betting becomes legal again for Rhode Island but only in the two state casinos |
How to Bet on Sports in Rhode Island
Sports betting is pretty simple once you know what you want to bet on and what type of wager you will place. Of course, there are regulations that need to be taken into consideration. You have to be at least 18 years old. If you win, you might need to report your winnings to the IRS in the case that it is over $600. The betting minimums and maximums depend on the type of wager you are putting down. The working hours of both sportsbooks are from 11am until midnight during workdays and from 9am to midnight and 1am on the weekends.
General Rules
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Winnings over $600 must be reported to the IRS
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You need to be above a certain age to be able to gamble: 18
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The state monopoly distributes revenue from sports betting in the following ratio, among State/Gambling Operator (IGT and William Hill)/Casino: 51%, 32%, 17%
-
Betting hours among the two sportsbooks are:
11AM – 12PM
Are Exchanges and Pari-Mutuel Betting Available in Rhode Island?
After the ban on sports betting was removed pari-mutuel betting was again available and legal for the two sportsbooks in the state casinos. On the other hand, when it comes to exchange wagers, we could not find any additional information if and where they are available. Keep in mind that the removal of the ban was recent, and the industry is still picking up speed.
Taxation of Winnings
If you have a winning bet, congratulations. You need to think about how your winnings will be taxed and if they need to be reported to the IRS. The Rhode Island state follows the federal gambling law just like any other state meaning that there is a 25% tax being applied before local and state specific taxes. For more information you can read our in-depth overview of US gambling taxation.
Federal Law:
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$600 or more - the payor is obliged to provide you with a W-2G form
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Winnings of 300x the bet or more, must be reported
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All gambling winnings must be filed under a W-2G form and are subject to 25% federal tax
Additional State Rules:
-
No additional taxation measures imposed by the state of Rhode Island
About Rhode Island
Rhode Island is a small eastern state in the US, bordering to the west with Connecticut and to the north-east with Massachusetts. It was the first of the Thirteen Colonies to renounce the British Crown.
| Capital | Providence |
|---|---|
| Largest City | Providence |
| Population | 1,057,315 |
| Area | 1,214 sq. miles |
| Time zone | Eastern UTC -5/-4 |
| State Nickname(s) | “The Ocean State”, “Little Rhody” |
| Motto | Hope |
| Teams | Sport | League |
|---|---|---|
| Pawtucket Red Sox | Baseball | International League |
| Providence Bruins | Hockey | American Hockey League |
| Rhode Island Rebellion | Rugby | USARL |
| Rhode Island Reds FC | Soccer | NPSL |
Helping Hand for Players in Rhode Island
Compulsive gambling is expressed as the feeling of hope that you will return the money lost if you continue gambling. For most people, it is quite hard to realize their condition because it is more likely mentally expressed than physically. Gambling addiction could change your life in a bad way this is why it is important to know more about it and to know the places where you can seek help and assistance on how to fight it.
Help for Problem Gambling in Rhode Island
- National Council on problem Gambling 1-800-522-4700 ncpgambling.org/chat
- Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling 401-354-2877 877-942-6253 riproblemgambling@gmail.com/chat www.RICPG.com
Lawyers for Betting Cases
- Pannone Lopes Devereaux & O'Gara LLC Northwoods Office Park 1301 Atwood Ave. Suite 215 N Johnston, RI 02919, USA 401-824-5100 www.pldolaw.com
FAQ
What sports can't you bet on in Rhode Island?
You can’t bet on hound races.
Who is ineligible to place sports bets in Rhode Island?
Anyone who is not of the legal age of 18.
What other options for gambling are available in Rhode Island?
You can partake in casino games at the two state casinos where the sportsbooks are.
Who can apply for a Rhode Island sports betting license?
Currently, only state casinos can apply for sportsbook licenses.
How much do sports betting operators have to pay in taxes?
51% of the total casino and sportsbook revenue goes to the state, 32% to IGT and keep 17%.
How much revenue does Rhode Island sports betting generate?
From November 2018 until Feb 2019 about $150 000.