
Rhode Island shows value of remote registration
The latest data from Rhode Island on player signs-ups highlights the benefits of remote registration, a key determinant of the Wedge Index rating for any state.
More evidence of how remote registration can produce a higher level of fully activated sign-ups to online sports betting and gaming operators comes with the data released late last week.
In total, the state recorded a total of 25,372 fully activated sign-ups since July after Governor Gina Raimondo signed the bill allowing for remote registration in July. Until that point, players had to visit the Twin River Casino to register for an account.
Previous data showed that of those that had signed up since the state went live with sports betting last September, fully 45% never fully activated their account.
This compares with general rate of 75% of customers that register who go through to deposit in other remote registration jurisdictions.
Remote registration is one of the key factors in the Wedge Index of accessible gaming scoring system with 15 points awarded to a state in which it features. By having remote registration, Rhode Island is above Nevada in the present standing at 7th position with 42 points.
Evolution of an offer
Rhode Island Lottery spokesperson Paul Grimaldi said in comments to VIXIO GamblingCompliance earlier in the summer that the state had reconsidered the issue of remote registration due to the effects of the pandemic.
“Like any new product, player feedback is important,” he said. “The evolution of player registration to a fully remote process is part of that effort as we work to provide the best possible player experience.”
Requirements to register in person are still a feature of the legislation in Iowa, at least until the end of this year, and Nevada.
Mobile betting in Rhode Island is provided by William Hill and IGT via the RI Lottery.
Figures from the lottery show that sports-betting has bounced back from a disastrous spring and early summer with turnover in August back to $23.1m for the month.
This is broadly in line with where sports-betting turnover was before the pandemic hit.