Rhode Island is the next US state to legalize online and mobile sports betting. The bill was passed by Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo, allowing state residents to wager online or through their mobile devices. Sixth in the row of states that have given a green light on online and mobile betting in the US, Rhode Island has not yet set a final deadline for the implementation of the new bill.
Rhode Island Gambling Law Compared to Other US States
Other states are due to follow too. The month of April will mark the legalization of online gambling in Pennsylvania, whereas Nevada, West Virginia and New Jersey have already passed their bills allowing state players to place their bets online. As things stand, there are no dedicated sports betting establishments in Rhode Island, and sports wagering only takes place at Twin River casino. As of late 2018, Twin River made some temporary arrangements to set up spaces for sports wagering, intending to go into more permanent arrangements this year.
It really comes as no surprise that Rhode Island moved forward with the bill. The annual budget given by the state for the year 2019 did comprise online betting, after all. Although the demand is not the biggest compared to other territories with a much bigger population, Rhode Island is relatively close to states that haven't yet moved forward with their bills, such as Massachusetts, making it a possibly desired gambling destination.