Rhode Island Gov approves mobile sports betting

The governor of Rhode Island signed a bill into law that allows sports betting to move online.

US.- Rhode Island is not only the first and only state to legally offer sports betting, it has also become the first to offer mobile sports betting. On Monday night, Governor Gina Raimondo signed into law the bill that allows mobile sports betting.

The law allows the creation of an app that people can use to access the sports betting offerings at the Twin River facilities, but anyone who wishes to place a bet must be physically present in Rhode Island. Currently, bets must be placed in person at the Twin River casinos in Lincoln and Tiverton.

Senate President Dominick Ruggerio and Democratic House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello introduced the bill to generate more revenue and make sports betting more convenient for local citizens. The measure obtained the approval from the General Assembly earlier this month.

“Expanding to mobile gaming would provide a convenient option for those wishing to enjoy this form of entertainment, and open up the economic benefits beyond the walls of Twin River,” said Ruggerio.

“I can envision a group of friends from out of state spending an evening out in a local establishment where they can both watch the game and place a wager,” he added.

The signature from Raimondo isn’t a surprise

Gina Raimondo had already presented her proposed budget for the fiscal year that starts on July 1 and includes US$30 million from sports betting, and approximately US$3 million from mobile gambling.

The state lottery said that it estimates the app to be up and running by November. The state will obtain 51% of the revenue from in-person and mobile sports betting in Rhode Island.