Sportsbetting Set to Begin in Rhode Island

The state of Rhode Island is gearing up to begin offering sportsbetting services to those within its borders this month, potentially drawing in a large number of punters from neighboring Massachusetts.

The move will make "Little Rhodie" the first state in the New England area to begin offering legalized sportsbetting, and comes just months after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the sportsbetting ban that was in effect for most states. The lawmakers within the state have already estimated $23.5 million in revenues from sportsbetting, which they've earmarked into their current fiscal year.

Rhode Island Lottery Director Gerry Aubin said that the activity will kick off at the Lincoln casino around Thanksgiving, with the Tiverton location getting the activity in December. Under state law, online wagers will not be permitted. Rhode Island is the smallest state in the Union, and it is offering the service while neighboring states are still investigating the activity. This will likely see some punters from neighboring regions using Rhode Island to place wagers on games, providing revenues for the state in the process.

We'll follow how the state performs and let readers know what we find.