Rhode Island Sports Betting: Best RI Betting Sites in 2024

Rhode Island's online sports betting industry is up and running, with one sportsbook available to bettors. The state immediately took advantage of the Supreme Court's decision to overrule PASPA in 2018 — holding preparatory meetings just one day after the controversial law was deemed constitutional. 

And, unlike other states that have tried to implement a lottery-owned sportsbook, Rhode Island's lone betting platform operates at a high level. Here, I discuss the sportsbook itself, the state's history with online sports betting sites, and how you can best avail of the region's sportsbook bonuses. 

Is Online Sports Betting legal in Rhode Island?

Sports betting has been legal in Rhode Island since 2019. Initially, lawmakers passed a bill in 2018 that only supported retail sports betting locations. Realizing their error and the potential for missed revenue over the coming months and years, a new bill to introduce an online sportsbook came to fruition before the turn of the decade. 

The switch from strictly in-person betting to online-based wagering has proved fruitful for Rhode Island. More than $25 million in sports betting revenue was reinvested into the state during 2023 — a clear indicator of success.

Rhode Island Betting Info 

• Is Online Sports Betting Legal? Yes
• Rhode Island sports betting launch date? Retail: November 26, 2018. Online: September 4, 2019.
• What is the Legal Age to Gamble? 18+
• How many Sportsbooks are Available? 1
• Are Retail Sportsbook Available? Yes
• Rhode Island College Sports Betting? No
• Who is the State Regulator? Rhode Island Lottery

Best Sports Betting Sites Currently Available in Rhode Island

Breaking down Rhode Island's best PC and mobile sports betting operators is simple, as the state more or less does all the work. Not only is there just one sportsbook, but there's been very little news on further additions. I've outlined Sportsbook RI's best features and areas it could work on, below. 

Sportsbook Rhode Island

Aptly titled, this sportsbook is simplistic, clean, and minimalist. The interface is reminiscent of FanDuel Sportsbook in the way its menus are set up — but Sportsbook RI's color palette and target audience couldn't be more different. 

Instead of accruing customers from all ends of the US, Sportsbook Rhode Island is only interested in garnering players from its home state. I'm usually against state-run sportsbook systems as they tend to perform poorly, but this offering is an enigma. Sportsbook RI is a fleshed-out, well-designed, and rewarding platform to use. If anything, the state lottery will be wishing it could branch out to other regions such is the quality of this sportsbook. 

To be specific, I'm a major fan of the sportsbook's odds and boosts. Baseball and basketball are two of my favorites to bet on when it comes to boosted odds — and both popular sports are available here. Moreover, you can create wagers involving NFL teams, NHL outfits, and even bet on collegiate-level competition. However, Rhode Island's college sports teams are strictly off-limits for in-person and online betting. 

As for the interface, the left-hand side of the screen consists of the most popular sports and an A-Z list of all 20+ markets. A search bar, the 'Live' tab, and the already-gushed-over 'Odds Boost' area reside in this section, too. A quick link to the Sportsbook Rhode Island app for iOS and Android also takes pride of place on the header menu — sandwiched between 'Live Now' and 'Promotions'. 

Speaking of promotions, newly registered Sportsbook RI bettors can get a 50% match deposit bonus bet offer of up to $50. This offer is on the smaller end of the scale compared to the likes of DraftKings or BetMGM, with both parties dishing out significantly better bonus bet packages. But with nobody else to compete with, there's little incentive for the William Hill and IGT-developed service to provide improved welcome bonuses. 

Sign up with Sportsbook Rhode Island today to grab an exclusive bonus bet worth up to $50.

Rhode Island Sports Betting Timeline & Legislation Updates

• 2018 — The Supreme Court rules that PASPA — the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act — is unconstitutional. All states, including Rhode Island, are subsequently free to create unique sports betting laws. Rhode Island's lawmakers are quick to act. After all, the state was prepared for such a decision having written up a sports betting bill during the first month of the year. 
• And now, just one day after the fall of PASPA, legislators discuss a potential framework for legal sports betting. Initial talks are positive, with senators keen to source a reputable software provider if a law were to pass. As it turns out, IGT — a world-renowned gambling technology provider — had already worked on Rhode Island's lottery systems, so the London-based team agree to a deal with the state. 
• On June 22, 2018, Gov. Gina Raimondo signs retail sports betting into law. The state's first bets are placed in November.
• 2019 — After a successful year for retail betting, legislators decide to expand Rhode Island's sports betting scene. Online sports betting is the obvious choice to improve the industry — and conversations concerning a new lottery-run sportsbook are held. An internet-based sports wagering bill passes in February. 
• Sportsbook Rhode Island is the result of the motion — titled SB 37 — and launches in September 2019. The online sportsbook doesn't quite meet the standard for mobile sports betting, though, as bettors must visit a retail establishment to sign up. 
• 2020 — Two new mobile sports betting bills, S2919 and H8097, are signed into law by Gov. Gina Raimondo in July. Bettors can now create accounts with Sportsbook Rhode Island remotely. 
• 2023 — After a quiet few years, it's revealed that IGT's contract with the Rhode Island Lottery has been extended until at least 2026. 
• Massachusetts legalizes online sports betting. The move has an immediate impact on Rhode Island's gambling industry, with a notable decline in year-on-year revenue for Sportsbook Rhode Island in March. 
• 2024 — Online casino gambling is legalized and launches in March. As a result, Rhode Island becomes one of few states offering internet-based sports betting and online casino gaming.

Rhode Island Sportsbooks Hoping to Launch Soon 

This is a difficult topic on which to ponder for one major reason: Rhode Island's Lottery is determined to stick with its sole sportsbook offering. This is evidenced by a fresh deal with IGT through to 2026.

Nevertheless, new additions should never be ruled out. Let's take a look at some of the options that would best suit Rhode Island if the state were to open its doors to more operators.

DraftKings Sportsbook 

A sports betting site packed with rewarding odds, fun promotions, and an easily navigable interface – DraftKings has it all. The sportsbook is popular for myriad reasons, with bettors across the US flocking to the website and app to back their favorite NFL, NCAA, MLB, NBA, and NHL outfits. 

DraftKings is home to 20+ sports and deep markets within each, making the platform one of the most detailed in the industry. There's no question that DraftKings would attract Sportsbook Rhode Island customers from the state-run betting site...but its addition would present a better environment for bettors. Draftkings promo is the perfect intro for novice bettors who don't want to go big from the get-go. Make use of the bet and get a bonus and check out the available sports.

FanDuel Sportsbook

Part of the reason I've included FanDuel is the site's undeniable similarity to Sportsbook Rhode Island. Not only would users earn fantastic bonuses and view brand-new markets, but the platform would feel natural to use. This is especially true for the side menu, which looks as though it were inspired directly by FanDuel itself.

FanDuel also hosts numerous unique deals throughout the year. Some offers are centered around top-of-mind events — like Gronk's Kick of Destiny ahead of the Super Bowl — while others chop and change during the season. 

The 'Parlay Hub' delivers tremendous customizable betting opportunities and stands as one of my favorite features of any sportsbook. Here, you can sift between popular and upcoming events, which sports to bet on, and even the type of wager you want to place. Whether you're into baseball, hockey, football, or something else, FanDuel covers all major professional sports events with its Parlay Hub.

It would be remiss of me to fail to mention the site's new customer package. Although not currently open to Rhode Island bettors, expect to gain access to a 'Bet $5 Get $200'  Fanduel welcome offer — or a similar deal — if the sportsbook enters the Ocean State.

Caesars Sportsbook

If an operator were to join Sportsbook Rhode Island as an operator in the region, the most likely candidate is Caesars. The gambling conglomerate already owns William Hill — the current provider of Sportsbook Rhode Island's betting odds and facilities — so a rebrand is certainly possible. 

Should Caesars maneuver to Rhode Island, punters should expect a premium-feeling and polished service. Primarily green and white in color, Caesars tables once-in-a-lifetime trips, profit boosts, and a long-standing $1,000 bonus bet welcome bonus for new players. Unlike the two sites mentioned already, a bonus code is required to activate the offer; CZR1000. 

Away from sports betting promos, Caesars Sportsbook is a top-notch platform. 25+ odds boosts are generally available simultaneously, while live betting serves as a significant attraction toward the site. To top it all off, 25 sports form the operator's list of betting options. That puts it right up there with the very best apps and sites in terms of how many sports you can bet on. 

One of the more fascinating features published on Caesars is 'FireBets'. With this, you're tasked with wagering on the most exciting in-game events. For example, you can bet on the speed of the next pitch in an MLB game — a market you'll struggle to find elsewhere. Sportsbook Rhode Island certainly doesn't support this market.

Best Sportsbook Promo in Rhode Island

Frankly, there aren't very many options. Sportsbook Rhode Island supports two online sports betting promotions right now; one for newcomers and another for existing customers. Let's dig into the nitty gritty details of both. 

Sportsbook Rhode Island $50 Deposit Match Bonus

Truth be told, this offer is more of a bonus bet deal than a deposit match package. Bonus funds earned from this deal are paid as bonus bets, whereas standard deposit match offers tend to hand out bonus cash. Regardless, the offer achieves the bare minimum here — plating up a 50% match bonus worth up to $50 in bonus bets.

But there's more. The bonus amount credited to your account upon wagering is played through in 50% intervals. For example, if you acquire a $50 bonus voucher and wager $50 on a sports market, Sportsbook Rhode Island will cover $25 of the punt. Essentially, 50% of your bets are covered until you've played through the entire bonus amount. It's a roundabout way for the sports betting site to get to the point...but it works. 

To get involved, simply sign up and deposit to your account wallet. The bonus should activate within two days and must be wagered entirely over the next two weeks

Sportsbook Rhode Island Bet & Get Offers

The sportsbook's slate of 'Bet & Get' offers are updated consistently. The site generally supports one offer of this ilk at a time – with the current offering being a college basketball deal. 

The premise is this: you bet on the same sport a set number of times at a specific minimum value. For example, the three-day-long college basketball package stipulates that users must place 10x $20+ wagers on college basketball markets to earn a $64 bonus bet. 

Once earned, the bonus works in much the same way as the welcome offer as Sportsbook Rhode Island covers 50% of your next wager(s) using the bonus voucher. Unlike the welcome bonus, you only have one week to wager the full bonus amount.

Requirements to Play at Rhode Island Sports Betting Sites

• Minimum Age — Bettors must be 18+ to wager on Rhode Island sports betting platforms.

• Inside State Lines — Sportsbook RI utilizes top-drawer geolocation technology to ensure that all customers are within the state's borders when playing.

• Pay Tax — Earnings accrued from Rhode Island sports betting sites are subject to a tax rate of 5.99%.

Popular Sports & Leagues to Bet on in Rhode Island

As a state in New England, nearby major league teams in basketball, football, hockey, and baseball sit at the forefront of bettors' minds. And, although Rhode Island boasts collegiate-level teams, residents are forbidden from backing their favorite side at physical and online betting stalls. Here's a look at the most popular leagues and teams to back on Sportsbook RI.

Rhode Island Sport Leagues

When it comes to professional major league sports, there's no competition. The state's close proximity to top NHL, NBA, NFL, and MLB franchises makes all four divisions popular among punters — whether that's betting for their beloved team or against a rival. 

NCAA basketball is another wildly popular league in Rhode Island. As things stand, bettors are restricted to only wagering on teams based outside the state's borders.

Rhode Island Teams to Bet On

Hockey's Boston Bruins, football's New England Patriots, basketball's Boston Celtics, and baseball's Boston Red Sox complete the list of RI's hottest teams to get behind. Each outfit carries a storied history bolstered by legendary figures, particularly the Patriots. 

Sportsbook RI dedicates an entire tab to 'Local Teams'. Check it out to see how your side stacks up ahead of upcoming fixtures.

Betting Types Available At Rhode Island Online Sportsbooks

• Moneyline - A wager comprised of one leg.
• Parlays - Bets consisting of two or more legs.
• Totals - Bet on the number of times a certain statistical event will take place during the course of a game.
• Point Spreads - One team is handed an advantage and the other is given a disadvantage. If the disadvantaged team outscores its pre-game deficit, wagers on that selection win. If the side with an advantage maintains its lead, bets on that pick will see a return. 
• Futures - This bet type tasks you with predicting the winner of an event sometime in the future. For example, an end-of-season MVP award is considered a future. 
• Prop Bets - Wagers where the outcome does not directly impact the game's result. Player A to throw X number of yards is an example of a player prop bet. 
• Live Bets - Anytime you bet on an outcome while the event is ongoing, that's considered a live bet.

What You Can't Bet On In Rhode Island

• eSports — Sportsbook RI doesn't currently offer eSports markets.
• Rhode Island College Teams — Betting on college teams based in Rhode Island is prohibited. 
• Injury Markets — You cannot bet on whether a player will get injured at Sportsbook RI.

Can you bet on Rhode Island College Sports?

College sports betting is legal in Rhode Island but with limitations. Rhode Islanders can only bet on collegiate outfits located outside the state's borders, as markets involving in-state colleges are banned. 

Responsible Gaming in Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling is a non-profit service for players struggling to control their gambling. In addition to this crucial organization, Rhode Island residents can call the state's dedicated problem gambling hotline 24/7. Staff members are multi-lingual and highly trained — just call 1-877-9GAMBLE to get in touch.

Alternatively, visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website or call 1-800-522-4700 to get help from experts in the field. 

Other Types of Gambling in Rhode Island

• Real Money Casino - Both of Bally's retail casinos — Twin River Casino and Tiverton Casino — form the entire casino landscape in Rhode Island. Bally's launched an online casino in March 2024 as Rhode Island became just the seventh state to legalize internet casino gaming. 
• Sweepstakes - You can play table games, slots, and indulge in other exciting casino action at online sweepstakes casinos in Rhode Island. 
• Horse Racing - In-person horse racing betting odds can be found at a casino, while online racebooks provide internet-based domestic and global markets.
• Poker - Online and retail poker are legal in Rhode Island. 

Upcoming States to License Online Sports Betting Sites

• South Carolina - Despite annual attempts to legalize sports betting between 2019 and 2023, South Carolina betting sites are yet to launch. There's no denying the state's hunger for online sportsbooks, though, and this is a state to keep an eye on in 2024. 
• Montana - A retail sports betting bill passed in 2021, allowing Montana residents to bet on the nation's favorite and niche markets. Things have gone well so far, and I expect news on a bill to legalize Montana betting sites within a couple of years. 
• Missouri - Missouri betting sites are on the cusp of coming to life. The state is currently examining a route toward legal sports betting in Missouri via a campaign headed by professional sports teams — with more than 100,000 signatures already acquired.
• Minnesota - 2023 proved a disappointing year for those anticipating legal sports betting in Minnesota as the state's bill failed to gain traction. Reports suggest that 2024 could be the year that the motion finally comes good, as Minnesota legislators struck a deal with those who previously opposed the bill during the first quarter. 

Overview of Rhode Island Sports Betting Sites

Albeit a proudly limited infrastructure, the sports betting industry in Rhode Island is vibrant and healthy. Sportsbook RI offers competitive odds, deals worth taking, and top markets — often leading bettors to forget that other options could enter the state. 

But the fact of the matter is that Sportsbook RI is no DraftKings, it's a far cry from being the next FanDuel, and it's certainly nowhere near establishing itself as the new BetMGM. Whilst these additions are not entirely necessary to rescue the Rhode Island betting industry — the industry definitely doesn't need saving — new platforms would encourage the current sports betting website to improve its services. 

All in all, Rhode Island delivers the best possible monopolized online sports betting market.