Rhode Island To Offer Sports Betting By The End Of The Month

The state of Rhode Island will be the next to offer legalized sports betting, joining a handful of states that have licensed and regulated casino operators since the Supreme Court paved the way for the industry in May.

According to a report from The Boston Globe, the state’s two casinos will begin taking wagers as early as Thanksgiving weekend. Gamblers won’t be allowed to place bets from their computers or phones until next year, but they will be able to walk up to a betting window at one of the properties.

Twin River Casino and Tiverton Casino Hotel will launch sports betting by the end of the month. Twin River is even set to add a sports betting lounge in December, complete with a burger bar and enough screens to show all of the live action.

State officials are hoping for a jump on the neighboring competition, which has yet to legalize sports betting. More than a dozen states are considering legislation, and it is already legal is Nevada, New Jersey, Mississippi, Delaware, West Virginia, and certain parts of New York and New Mexico.

“I see folks from Connecticut, from Massachusetts all coming. New Hampshire. Why not?” said Mike Barlow, head of operations for the company that owns both of the state’s casinos. “We’re the only game in town.”

Sports gambling is expected to bring in an additional $23.5 million in tax revenue for Rhode Island by next summer, although that number could change depending on when nearby Connecticut and Massachusetts decide to jump in the game. Rhode Island saw total casino gaming revenue of $624.9 million in 2017, up just 0.9 percent from the year prior.

Americans bet roughly $150 billion each year on sports, mostly on the black market, according to the American Gaming Association.

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