Rhode Island Online Sports Betting Guide 2024

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Rhode Island has made sports betting simple and accessible, with both online and retail options available to residents. Online sports betting is fully legal, with platforms launching in 2019 to give bettors more flexibility.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know—Rhode Island’s sports betting laws, the top sportsbooks in the state, tips for managing taxes on winnings, and how to bet on local teams. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into Rhode Island’s exciting betting scene!

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Discover the top online sportsbooks in Rhode Island.
• Learn how to handle your gambling winnings properly as a Rhode Island resident.

Best Online Sports Betting Sites for Rhode Island Bettors 

In Rhode Island, sports betting is available both online and in person:

• Allowed: Rhode Island has only one legal online sportsbook: Sportsbook Rhode Island, managed by the Rhode Island Lottery. This platform ensures a safe and regulated space for residents to engage in online sports betting.
• Allowed: The state is home to two retail sportsbooks at Twin River Casino in Lincoln and Tiverton Casino Hotel, offering fans a chance to place bets in a lively, on-site environment.
• Unregulated: As for sweepstakes sportsbooks, Rhode Island’s laws do not explicitly address or authorize these platforms, as they operate under different legal frameworks from traditional sports betting.

Rhode Island’s Sports Betting Laws: 10 Facts

1. Legality: Sports betting is legal online and at two retail locations: Twin River Lincoln Casino and Twin River Tiverton Casino.
2. Legal Age: Bettors must be at least 18, making Rhode Island more lenient than most states.
3. State Borders: Rhode Island borders Massachusetts and Connecticut, both of which also allow online and retail sports betting.
4. Taxes: Bettors pay taxes on winnings, with losses not deductible.
5. Regulator: All betting is managed by the Rhode Island Lottery, including its sole mobile platform, Sportsbook Rhode Island.
6. Mobile Betting: Sportsbook Rhode Island offers an app for betting on popular sports like football, basketball, and tennis.
7. Few Bookmakers: Rhode Island has just one online sportsbook and two retail locations.
8. College Sports Betting: Betting on Rhode Island college teams or games played in-state is prohibited, except for certain tournaments.
9. Other Options: Bettors can enjoy lotteries, fantasy sports, horse racing, and casino gaming.
10. Unique Laws: Rhode Island’s sports betting is tightly regulated, with no third-party sportsbooks allowed.

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. 

Other 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 gambling 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. You can gamble via scratchers, number draws and lottery games from the Lot’s official website. 

Reporting Rhode Island Gambling Taxes

In Rhode Island, sports betting winnings are taxed, and it’s important to know the rules. Bettors must report all winnings on IRS Form W-2 G and pay income tax. Unlike some states, losses are not deductible, meaning you pay taxes on your total winnings regardless of how much you’ve lost.

Example: If you win $10,000 but lose $11,000, you’ll still owe taxes on the $10,000 won.

Staying informed about these policies ensures you handle your winnings responsibly and avoid tax complications. For that, we invite you to read our guide on how sports betting taxes work.

Start Betting Smart in Rhode Island Today

Now that you’ve finished this guide, you’re ready to explore further the Rhode Island’s sports betting scene. You know what opportunities are available and how to make the most of your wagers.

Remember the tips and insights shared here as you explore RI sports markets. Want to learn more about maximizing your bets? Check out our resources on online sports betting legislation in each state to stay informed and ahead of the game.

References

1. Rhode Island Senate Bill 37 — Retrieved on November 25, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions