On Wednesday, 13th February 2019, The Rhode Island Senate has passed a measure that legalizes mobile sports betting, allowing mobile wagering through the Twin River casinos in Lincoln and Tiverton, within State lines.
Although the Bill (S 37) passed by a landslide of 30-4, it still has to go to the Rhode Island House (as HB 5241), and it would be the House bill that would land on the desk of Governor Gina Raimondo. The House bill is not expected to meet too much resistance on the floor.
The bill would legalize mobile sports betting and is the following step to sports betting, which was legalized in June of last year/
The bill would give the Twin River Management Group a monopoly on online gaming. The group owns the two casinos that are permitted to offer in-person sports betting. Senator Sam Bell is against giving a monopoly to one business.
Those wishing to bet on sports via mobile devices will be required to go to Twin River or Tiverton to register initially if the bills pass as they are for Rhode Island. According to Senator Sam Bell, this might be a drawback, instead of allowing people to register at home.
It is thought that if Rhodes Island decides to use IGT as the operator for Sports Betting, then mobile sports could maybe be in operation in time for football, as it would not be necessary for them to jump through as many regulatory hoops.
Only two casinos can offer sports betting in Rhode Island, namely the Twin River Casino in Lincoln and the Tiverton Casino in Tiverton.
