The Highlights
- Over the past seven days, Rhode Island's legislature passed the state's sports betting bill.
- Gov. Gina Raimondo singed the bill into law Friday, paving the way for legalized sports betting to being this fall.
- Twin River's two casino locations will operate the state's sportsbooks.
After passing through the state's House and Senate, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo signed the state's sports betting bill on Friday, officially opening the doors for legal sports wagering.
Last Friday, the House passed the bill by a vote of 66-7, followed by Wednesday's 34-2 vote in favor by the state Senate.
Rhode Island's Twin River casinos will offer the state's sports-betting operation, with locations in both Lincoln and Tiverton. With a Massachusetts sports-betting bill not expected until 2019, both Twin River casinos should draw bettors from the Greater Boston area, with Boston only about 60 miles from each location.
Interestingly, this version of the betting bill allows only in-person betting. As a result, mobile and online wagering will not be available as part of initial sports-betting legalization. In fact, bettors won't be permitted to wager online even if on casino property.
Full mobile wagering, similar to what is currently available in Nevada, would require approval from Rhode Island's voters before implementation.
