The Rhode Island lottery assures state officials that it is on schedule to offer mobile sports book in time for the NFL season this fall—which would make it the first New England state to do so. The announcement comes three months after the legislature legalized sports wagering over the internet.
The lottery was approved to offer sports wagers last summer and the first sports betting was unrolled at the state’s two casinos the day after Thanksgiving. Paul Grimaldi, chief of information and public relations for the state Department of Revenue says no new regulations are needed to begin offering the service online.
He told Sports Handle, “The regulations for sports betting have been in place since prior to launch of the in-person sportsbook in November 2018,” adding, “Sports betting is considered to be a form of Class III gaming that was previously approved by Rhode Island voters. Regulations for it fell under the existing protocols.”
Persons placing such bets will need to register in person one of the two casinos, Tiverton or Twin River. Once registered, bets can be placed anyone within state lines. Each casino will offer an apps specific to it. The platforms will be powered by IGT and William Hill will be in charge of risk management.
Before the games go live there will be a “simulated testing and account settling” for an unspecified time.
