Rhode Island officials are actively considering a significant expansion of the state’s sports betting infrastructure following growing dissatisfaction with its exclusive operator, Sports Book RI.
The push for diversification gained momentum after a technical failure on the opening Sunday of the NFL season left countless bettors unable to place wagers, sparking widespread frustration.
In response to these concerns, the Rhode Island Lottery* has announced that eight separate companies have expressed interest in entering the state’s sports betting market. This marks a potential shift from a single-provider model to a more competitive, multi-operator environment.
Pat Kelly, a professor of accountancy at Providence College, weighed in on the implications of such a transition. “Jumping from one provider to potentially eight raises’ questions about market dynamics and regulatory oversight,” he noted. “Even if the final number lands between four and six, we can expect a surge in promotional efforts as these companies compete for user attention. That means more commercials, more digital ads, and aggressive marketing strategies aimed at capturing market share.”
More Reasons To Expand
Rhode Island currently stands among just four U.S. states that operate with a single sports betting application. This limited access has proven especially problematic during high-profile sporting events, such as March Madness, when out-of-state visitors, accustomed to using their preferred platforms, found themselves unable to participate, leading to dissatisfaction and missed revenue opportunities.
While expanding the number of operators could enhance user experience and boost state income, experts caution that increased accessibility may also heighten the risk of gambling addiction.
Offshore Sites Still Operating In Rhode Island
In addition to the single state-licensed sportsbook, Sports Book RI, players also have access to online RI sportsbook sites operating from offshore locations. While the state does not license offshore sites, they do obtain legal licensing from their country of origin.
You will also find that online sportsbooks offer football odds, basketball odds, baseball game lines, and much more. Many of the sites that we recommend have been accepting players over the age of 18 in RI for years. In many ways, offshore sports betting sites have set the standard by adhering to regulated compliance checks and online security protocols.
While it seems likely that Rhode Island will open its doors to more online sportsbook operators, offshore sites will continue to operate and provide RI bettors with a legitimate alternative to state-licensed sites that have already proven shaky at best.
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