Rhode Island is set to broaden its online sports betting landscape as the Rhode Island Lottery has granted Bally’s Corporation a provisional five-year license to establish a second digital sportsbook in the state.
This move marks the end of Rhode Island's previous system that allowed only a single operator for online betting, which has been in effect since the launch of mobile wagering in 2019. Bally's is already responsible for the state's physical sportsbook operations.
“Bally’s is excited to receive a second sports betting license from the State of Rhode Island,” stated company representative Patti Doyle. “We are grateful for the trust the state has shown in our capability to deliver a top-tier product designed for scalability, innovation, and the changing needs of today’s bettors, ultimately generating more revenue to benefit Rhode Island taxpayers.”
Bally’s was chosen from a pool of just two applicants who responded to the Lottery’s qualifications request, which closed on February 19. The other contender was Rush Street Interactive, a gaming firm based in Chicago.
According to Rhode Island Lottery spokesperson Paul Grimaldi, the finalization of the contract terms is still underway. He noted, “The launch date cannot be prior to November 26, 2026, which coincides with the expiration of the exclusivity agreement with IGT.”
The existing online sportsbook, Sportsbook RI, is managed by IGT, which has been operating the state's digital betting platform since September 2019.
Despite the introduction of a new competitor, IGT will continue to play a role in the market. The Rhode Island Lottery renewed its contract with IGT in January, allowing its PlaySports technology to support both retail and online betting until 2028.
Some industry analysts expressed surprise at the limited participation in the bidding process from major sports betting companies like DraftKings and FanDuel, both of which are active in nearby Connecticut and Massachusetts.
These companies were part of eight that initially responded to a preliminary interest request issued by the Rhode Island Lottery last summer, following recommendations from Spectrum Gaming Group, which suggested that the state should incorporate four to six online sports betting vendors to stay competitive with neighboring states.
However, it seems the proposed commercial terms from the state were not appealing to these major players. A report from Spectrum Gaming Group in 2025 had previously indicated that Rhode Island might experience “limited interest” from vendors due to concerns regarding the state’s tax structure and overall market conditions.
According to current state legislation, online sports betting revenue is allocated with 51% going to the state, 32% to the online operator, and 17% to Bally’s retail sportsbook located at its Lincoln casino.
Lawmakers are currently evaluating reforms that could significantly change this distribution structure. Proposed bills in both the House and Senate aim to increase the operators’ share to approximately 79%, while gradually decreasing the state’s share once it surpasses $18.6 million in annual revenue, based on fiscal year 2025 estimates.
FanDuel has publicly endorsed the legislation, asserting that it would promote competition and enhance consumer choice. “These bills would provide Rhode Islanders access to the best sports betting platforms in America,” remarked Cory Fox, FanDuel’s Senior Vice President of Public Policy.
The proposed legislation in the House was reviewed by the Committee on Finance on April 29, while the Senate bill was discussed by the Committee on Labor and Gaming on May 20.
Both proposals are currently on hold for further examination, a standard procedure during the early stages of legislative review. However, Ciccone, a Democrat from Providence who leads the legislature’s Joint Committee on Lottery, indicated that he does not anticipate either bill progressing this year, describing the discussions as still in the early and unresolved stages, with many aspects still uncertain.