Rhode Island is a micro-market with a lottery-run single operator, making it ideal for per-capita and efficiency analysis. The RI Lottery publishes monthly results that show how a small state converts handle into taxes, with operators taxed at 51% of gross gaming revenue, the highest rate in the nation, shared only with New York and New Hampshire’s single-operator model. We assemble those verified numbers to reveal how a compact market behaves compared to regional heavyweights.
RI Revenue Insights
Handle: $27.0M
GGR: $2.94M
Hold: 10.86%
Tax Revenue
Overview of the Rhode Island Sports Betting Market
Rhode Island was one of the first states to legalize sports betting after PASPA’s repeal in 2018. Governor Gina Raimondo signed legislation on June 22, 2018, allowing retail sportsbooks at Twin River Casino in Lincoln and Bally’s Tiverton Casino. Operations are managed by the Rhode Island Lottery, which oversees both retail and online wagering.
Online betting launched in 2019 through Sportsbook Rhode Island, a platform developed with IGT and William Hill. Available on iOS and Android, the app uses geolocation to ensure bets are placed within state lines.
Sports betting revenue flows into the state’s general fund, supporting education, infrastructure, and problem gambling programs. In FY 2024, the Rhode Island Lottery contributed $426.4M to the general fund. With a 51% tax rate on net sports betting revenue, among the highest in the U.S., Rhode Island consistently ranks near the top in per-capita sports betting revenue.
Want to compare Rhode Island sports betting operators? Read our in-depth reviews of sportsbooks in Rhode Island.
Annual Sports Betting Growth in Rhode Island
Data is pulled directly from the Rhode Island Lottery Annual Reports
Source:
RG
Monthly Sports Betting Growth in Rhode Island
Data is pulled directly from the Rhode Island Lottery Monthly Reports
Source:
RG
Rhode Island Sports Betting Annual Handle
Data is pulled directly from the Rhode Island Lottery Annual Handle Reports
Source:
RG
Rhode Island Sports Betting Revenue Performance
Rhode Island operates a state-run sports betting model, with both retail sportsbooks at Twin River casinos and mobile betting through the state’s official platform, regulated by the Rhode Island Lottery.
| Year | Handle | Revenue | Hold % | State Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 13,770,713 | 1,030,910 | 9.01% | 525,764 |
| 2019 | 245,811,496 | 17,806,694 | 7.45% | 9,081,414 |
| 2020 | 221,916,076 | 24,067,477 | 9.22% | 12,274,413 |
| 2021 | 454,457,990 | 38,751,495 | 8.95% | 19,763,262 |
| 2022 | 532,609,814 | 49,298,062 | 9.30% | 25,142,012 |
| 2023 | 461,283,426 | 40,277,816 | 8.73% | 20,541,686 |
| 2024 | 483,686,264 | 38,051,914 | 8.02% | 19,406,476 |
2025 Year-to-Date
| Month | Handle ($) | GGR ($) | Hold % | Tax Revenue ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | 47,358,801 | 5,074,927 | 10.72% | 2,588,213 |
| Feb 2025 | 35,164,802 | 2,976,309 | 8.46% | 1,517,918 |
| Mar 2025 | 43,701,613 | 2,242,452 | 5.13% | 1,143,651 |
| Apr 2025 | 36,605,834 | 2,701,470 | 7.38% | 1,377,750 |
| May 2025 | 35,521,600 | 3,318,915 | 9.34% | 1,692,647 |
| Jun 2025 | 27,317,451 | 3,167,345 | 11.59% | 1,615,346 |
| Jul 2025 | 22,587,607 | 1,855,086 | 8.21% | 946,093 |
| Aug 2025 | 27,017,446 | 2,935,029 | 10.86% | 1,496,864 |
Latest Rhode Island Sports Betting Industry Updates
- July 1, 2025 – The Rhode Island Lottery issued an RFI (Request for Information) to gauge interest from sports wagering service providers ahead of a potential RFP. (publicgaming.com)
- June 24, 2025 – SB 748 stalled in the House before the legislative session ended, meaning the Lottery’s monopoly remains in place for now. (State of Rhode Island)
- June 5, 2025/June 4, 2025 – The Rhode Island Senate passed amended SB 748, aiming to end the Lottery’s exclusive contract with IGT and open the market to 3–5 competing sportsbooks starting in early 2026. (yogonet.com)
- May 23, 2025 – A Spectrum Gaming Group–commissioned report recommended adding 4–6 new vendors and easing hosting restrictions to better compete with MA and CT. (rhodeislandcurrent.com)
Provides industry-backed justification for expanding options in the state.
Rhode Island Snapshot
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Population | Approximately 1.1 million residents as of 2024. (World Population Review, 2024) |
| Political Affiliation | Predominantly Democratic, with a Democratic trifecta controlling the governorship and both legislative chambers. (270towin.com, 2024) |
| Year Sports Betting Legalized | It was legalized on June 22, 2018, when Governor Gina Raimondo signed it into law. (Reuters, 2018) |
| Number of Sportsbooks Operating | DraftKings is the sole online sportsbook licensed in Rhode Island. |
| Professional Sports Teams | Rhode Island does not have professional sports teams but is home to passionate sports fans, often supporting nearby teams like the New England Patriots and Boston Celtics. |
FAQs
Rhode Island Sports Betting Revenue Trends
What trends have been observed in Rhode Island’s sports betting market?
Rhode Island sports betting revenue has grown consistently since launching in 2018.
How does Rhode Island's small population affect sports betting revenue?
Rhode Island’s small population of approximately 1.1 million limits the potential size of its betting market compared to larger states. However, high per-capita participation keeps the state's sports betting revenue competitive with other one-operator states like Oregon.
Legal and Operational Aspects of Rhode Island Sports Betting
When was sports betting legalized in Rhode Island?
Legalized sports betting in Rhode Island began on June 22, 2018, when Governor Gina Raimondo signed the law. The first retail sportsbooks launched in November 2018, with online sports betting following in 2019.
Who manages sports betting operations in Rhode Island?
The Rhode Island Lottery oversees all sports betting operations, including the DraftKings online platform and retail locations at Twin River Casino and Tiverton Casino.
How many sportsbooks operate in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island has a single sportsbook operator, DraftKings, licensed by the state lottery to provide online and retail betting.
How is online betting regulated in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island uses geolocation technology to ensure all online wagers are placed within state lines, complying with federal and state regulations.
General Information
How does Rhode Island benefit from legalized sports betting?
Legalized sports betting generates substantial tax revenue for Rhode Island, supporting education, infrastructure, public safety, and problem gambling programs.
Are there other forms of gambling in Rhode Island?
In addition to sports betting, Rhode Island offers video lottery, casinos like Twin River and Tiverton, and popular games like Mega Millions.
