North Prov. Rep: Mobile Sports Betting 'An Exciting Time' For RI

With football season officially underway, Rhode Islanders now have the opportunity to place bets from their phones. Mobile sports betting is officially live in the Ocean State, a step one local representative is calling "an exciting time" for the state.

Democratic Representative William O'Brien praised the successful launch of the program, which was signed into law by Governor Gina Raimondo in March.

"The successful launch of mobile sports betting represents an exciting time for Rhode Islanders and those who travel from out of state to place legal sports bets in our casinos. This product will generate much-needed revenue and I am looking forward to seeing the successful results for all of Rhode Island," O’Brien said.

Under the new law, Rhode Island residents can place bets anywhere in the state from their phone through an app connected to Twin River Casino. To use the app, customers must first set up an account in-person at the casino. The app uses location technology to ensure all wagers are placed within the state. No outside bets will be accepted.

The app's server is located inside Twin River, so bets are considered to have been placed there. This system is similar to those of other states such as New Jersey. As with in-person sports wagering, the state takes 51 percent of all winnings, one of the highest rates in the country.

The mobile sports betting bill was spearheaded by the leaders of the General Assembly, House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello and Senate President Dominick Ruggerio. The legislation was championed by Boston-based fantasy sports app DraftKings, which sponsored a series of ads on Twitter calling for Rhode Islanders to support the bill.