(AsiaGameHub) – Rhode Island’s online sports betting market is set to welcome a second application, ending a period with just a single digital platform. The Rhode Island Lottery has provisionally granted Bally’s Corporation a five-year license, with its start date contingent on the conclusion of IGT’s exclusive agreement on November 26, 2026.
Good to Know
- Bally’s secured the second online sportsbook license over Rush Street Interactive.
- The IGT-operated Sportsbook RI has been the sole mobile option since 2019.
- Existing legislation allocates 51% of online sports betting revenue to the state.
Bally’s Adds A Second Betting App To Rhode Island
Bally’s is already present in the Rhode Island market via its physical sportsbooks in Lincoln and Tiverton. It will soon also vie for online customers against Sportsbook RI, the IGT-managed app that has facilitated mobile wagering since September 2019.
The Rhode Island Lottery chose Bally’s following a limited bidding process. Only Bally’s and Rush Street Interactive answered the request for qualifications by the February 19 deadline. DraftKings and FanDuel opted not to submit bids, despite participating in preliminary discussions about the market.
Patti Doyle, a Bally’s spokesperson, stated: “Bally’s is thrilled to have been awarded a second sports betting license by the State of Rhode Island. We appreciate the confidence and trust the state has placed in our ability to provide a best-in-class product — built for scalability, innovation, and the evolving demands of modern bettors — which will generate additional revenue to benefit the Rhode Island taxpayers.”
Final contract terms are still being negotiated. According to Rhode Island Lottery spokesperson Paul Grimaldi, a launch is prohibited before November 26, 2026, when IGT’s online exclusivity period concludes. However, IGT will not exit the market. The Lottery renewed its contract with IGT in January, securing the PlaySports technology for both retail and online operations through 2028.
Rhode Island has historically maintained a more restricted sports betting framework compared to neighboring states. While Massachusetts and Connecticut provide consumers with more operator choices, Rhode Island has sustained a single online sportsbook since mobile betting debuted in 2019. The Spectrum Gaming Group previously recommended the state evaluate four to six online vendors to enhance competitiveness with bordering markets.
The scant number of bidders has intensified an ongoing policy discussion. Spectrum had cautioned that Rhode Island might attract “limited interest” due to its tax structure and modest market size. Under current law, the state claims 51% of online sports betting revenue, the online operator gets 32%, and Bally’s retail venue in Lincoln receives 17%.
Legislators are considering an alternative revenue distribution. Proposed bills in the House and Senate would increase the operator’s portion to approximately 79%, reducing the state’s share after annual revenue surpasses $18.6 million, using fiscal year 2025 projections. FanDuel endorses this approach, contending that improved terms would foster greater competition in the state’s sports betting industry.
Cory Fox, FanDuel’s Senior Vice President of Public Policy, remarked: “These bills would give Rhode Islanders access to the best sports betting platforms in America.”
Neither proposal is nearing approval. The House bill was presented to the Committee on Finance on April 29, and the Senate version was referred to the Committee on Labor and Gaming on May 20. Both were held for additional review. Senator Frank Ciccone, a Providence Democrat chairing the Joint Committee on Lottery, indicated he does not anticipate either bill progressing in 2026, characterizing the discussion as preliminary with “a lot up in the air.”
FAQ
When Can Bally’s Launch A Rhode Island Online Sportsbook?
Bally’s is barred from launching before November 26, 2026, as IGT’s exclusive online rights are effective until that date.
Who Else Bid For The Rhode Island License?
Rush Street Interactive also applied, but the Rhode Island Lottery awarded the license to Bally’s.
Will Sportsbook RI Stay Active?
Yes. IGT will continue its involvement after the state extended its PlaySports contract through 2028.
Why Did DraftKings And FanDuel Not Bid?
Official reasons were not provided, but industry observers cited the current revenue distribution and the market’s small scale as likely factors.
How Much Online Sports Betting Revenue Does Rhode Island Take?
Under existing law, Rhode Island receives 51% of online sports betting revenue.
This article is provided by a third-party. AsiaGameHub (https://asiagamehub.com/) makes no warranties regarding its content.
AsiaGameHub delivers targeted distribution for iGaming, Casino, and eSports, connecting 3,000+ premium Asian media outlets and 80,000+ specialized influencers across ASEAN.