Is Sports Betting Legal In Rhode Island?
If you must ask is sports betting legal in Rhode Island, you must have not visited the state in a while. Good things come in small packages and there’s no difference here because both land-based and online sports betting are legal in Rhode Island. After PASPA was repealed in the middle of 2018, Rhode Island worked diligently to become of the first few states to enact laws after the Supreme Court’s decision. In December of 2018, the two sportsbooks in Rhode Island became open for business, as services can be found at Twin River Casino as well as Tiverton Casino.
However, when it comes to state-regulated online sportsbooks you only have one option. You will find more choices when you use offshore betting sites. These operators will offer a wider variety of betting odds and lines as well as offering a multitude of promotions and bonuses that you will not find anywhere in the state. Keep reading throughout this page to learn more about land-based and online sports betting in Rhode Island from the laws to the locations to get started.
Land-Based Sports Betting in Rhode Island:
Sports betting was introduced in Rhode Island from a 2012 and 2016 voter referendum that preemptively agreed on measures before PASPA was repealed. It wasn’t until later in 2018 when the regulations were set and sports betting went live in Rhode Island. The bill that was signed into law to officially make it happen was RI SB 45. There are only two locations to engage in the hobby which make using the offshore online sports betting sites so much more convenient. Even if you live close, you will find more opportunity on these sites, such as wagers on college games. According to the state’s regulations, no bets can be accepted on a collegiate team from Rhode Island or an amateur sporting event that is placed within the state’s lines. With this, using the offshore site will be your only option.
Legal Online Sports Betting in Rhode Island:
So where does that leave us? Just like the answer to many problems, it can be found on the internet. When it comes to state-regulated options there is only “Sportsbook Rhode Island”. This is nice, but the site has its flaws. There aren’t as many betting odds as overseas competitors and they are subject to heavier odds because of home-team bias. Thankfully, there are many online sportsbooks open in Rhode Island that are able to run perfectly legally and as legitimate businesses. Since most of these betting sites friendly to Rhode Island residents are based overseas, they get around all the laws and jurisdictions that forbid land based betting in Rhode Island.
Now that you know it's legal for you to participate in sports betting and that these sportsbooks are run and maintained legally, you should know that you are within your rights to use these betting sites. You may however, have reservations about trusting your money to a foreign entity, and while those reservations are understandable, they are unfounded. Many of these online sportsbooks have been serving clients from all over the United States for over a decade and have built up a dedicated and loyal client base. This could not be the case if they weren't good at handling their customers' money, so rest assured that by putting your money in one of these online sportsbooks, it will be as safe as if you put it with any major online retailer such as eBay or Amazon.
Just like land-based betting, online sports betting is legal in Rhode Island and has been a big money maker for the state. Feel free to sign up with the state-run platform but just know that using offshore is always better. A federal law known as the Wire Act will prevent you from placing any action on the in-state platforms if you are not located within state lines. The overseas operators do not have to follow this law, which makes betting on the road that much easier.
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Just like land-based betting, online sports betting is legal in Rhode Island even though it has not launched. Until it does, you will have to stick with the offshore sports betting sites to help you out. When the launch does occur, feel free to sign up with the state-run platform but just know that using offshore is always better. A federal law known as the Wire Act will prevent you from placing any action on the in-state platforms if you are not located within state lines. The overseas operators do not have to follow this law, which makes betting on the road that much easier.
Bovada Sportsbook - Complete Sportsbook Features Betting Lines For All Sports
If you're looking for a sportsbook that prides itself on its legitimacy and works hard to maintain its superb reputation as one of the premiere sportsbooks for players in the U.S., look no further than BetOnline. BetOnline has been operating for well over a decade and in that time has not only built up a base of devoted fans who bet with them but the endorsements of major media companies such as CSNBC and FOX Sports. These companies don't toss out endorsements lightly, so by wagering with BetOnline you should feel secure that your money is as safe and secure as possible.
However, don't fall into the trap of thinking that since BetOnline leads the market as a legal sportsbook for Rhode Island residents that they don't know how to take care of their customers. When you have an account with BetOnline and you make a deposit into it to use for betting, BetOnline will match 50% of that deposit in free play. That's up to $1000 in free money. They even offer a 25% match on every other deposit, for life. That's right, this is not merely an introductory offer. BetOnline so desperately wants to keep your business and keep serving you, that they will continue to offer free money for every deposit you make throughout the lifespan of your account. Use the code BOL1000 to take advantage of the introductory offer.
Top Rhode Island Sports Betting Sites
What's The Bottom Line? Will I Get In Trouble For Betting On Sports?
Now that you know that it's not only safe and legal to bet on sports in Rhode Island but that it's possible to receive fantastic service while doing it, you shouldn't have to harbor any reservations about placing bets on your favorite sports teams. Whether you like the Red Sox to win the World Series or think this may be the Patriots year, you'll be able to make all the bets and wagers on sports events that you want free from any worries or concerns. The only way to find yourself in hot water is if you attempt to use an unlicensed bookie or become one yourself.