In April, the sports betting handle in Rhode Island reached $37.5 million, reflecting an eight-month low. This figure represents a 6.7% decrease compared to the same month in 2022 when the handle was $40.2 million. Additionally, it marks a 9.6% decline from the $41.5 million handle reported in March 2023.
Handle Breakdown:
According to the Rhode Island Lottery, online sports betting accounted for $27.5 million of the total handle, while the remaining $10 million was split between the Twin River and Tiverton Casino retail sportsbooks. Twin River’s handle amounted to $5.8 million, and Tiverton Casino’s handle reached $4.2 million.
Revenue Figures:
The state reported a sports betting revenue of $3 million, indicating a 25% year-on-year increase. However, this is a 25% decrease from the $4 million reported in March of the same year. The revenue breakdown shows that $2.2 million came from online betting, while $611,122 was attributed to the retail sportsbook at Twin River, and $157,841 to Tiverton Casino.
Player Winnings:
Players in Rhode Island won $34.5 million from sports betting in April. This figure demonstrates the balance between player earnings and overall handle.
Year-to-Date Overview:
For the ten months leading up to the end of April, the state reported a total handle of $455 million. Revenue for the same period stood at $45.2 million, while player winnings reached $409.8 million.
Additional Developments:
In addition to the sports betting figures, there have been recent discussions in Rhode Island regarding a smoking ban at casinos. Casino workers and lawmakers gathered to support a bill that would ban smoking at gaming venues. The rally aimed to address the “loophole” that currently allows smoking at the state’s two casinos despite Rhode Island having a smoke-free workplace law. Legislative efforts are ongoing to amend this exemption and align casino regulations with workplace smoking laws.
Rhode Island’s sports betting handle in April may have dipped compared to the previous year and month, but it still demonstrates the consistent interest in sports wagering within the state. As the industry evolves and regulatory changes are considered, the balance between revenue, player winnings, and overall handle will continue to shape the landscape of sports betting in Rhode Island.