Rhode Island Extends IGT’s Exclusive Sports Betting Contract

Rhode Island has extended International Game Technology's (IGT) exclusive sports betting contract through 2028, significantly dimming near-term hopes for expanding the state's one-operator market into a competitive, multi-licensed system.

Updated on 8 January 2026

IGT confirmed that the Rhode Island Lottery has exercised a two-year contract extension that will keep IGT PlaySports technology powering both retail and mobile sports betting in the state until November 2028.

“IGT is very pleased to continue our long-term relationship with the Rhode Island Lottery through 2028 and help generate important revenue for the State through its sports betting operations powered by PlaySports technology,” IGT Senior Vice President of Sports Betting Joe Bertolone said.

The extension preserves Rhode Island’s centralized sports betting structure, under which the Rhode Island Lottery operates sports wagering statewide using IGT’s PlaySports technology through the Sportsbook Rhode Island platform.

Contract Extension Preserves Centralized Sports Betting Model

Rhode Island was among the first states to legalize sports betting in 2018. The state launched the regulated market the following year, opting for a single-operator strategy, and awarded IGT the contract in partnership with Bally’s (IGT utilizes Bally’s servers).

The framework is managed through a contract with the Rhode Island Lottery, which initially ran through November 2026. The newly announced extension ensures that the structure remains in place through at least November 2028.

IGT said the deal encompasses the continued delivery of its PlaySports platform for both mobile and retail wagering, including trading advisory services, risk management, and ongoing platform enhancements.

Expansion Efforts Stalled in 2025

The extension comes months after failed expansion efforts by Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone. His plan would have expanded the market to three to five sportsbooks.

In June 2025, the state’s Senate passed Cicone’s bill. However, once it reached the House, it never received a committee hearing before the end of the legislative session. That was not surprising, given that House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi indicated a lack of interest in discussing market expansion in 2025. He cited IGT’s contract expiration in late 2026.

The push by Ciccone and other proponents was backed by a Spectrum Gaming Group report commissioned by lawmakers. The report recommended opening the market to multiple operators and lowering tax rates to ensure competitiveness.

Initially, Rhode Island Lottery officials opposed the expansion plans. They cited concerns with their ability to support multiple licenses. Additionally, they questioned the provisions of the bill, calling for the termination of IGT’s contract earlier.

Despite reservations, the Lottery sent a request for information to explore possible operator interest. According to reports, eight companies responded. They included IGT, Bally’s, Fanatics, BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Kambi, and OpenBet.

Lottery Signals Limited Additional Platform, Not Full Market Opening

While the contract extension dampens broader expansion ambitions, the Lottery has indicated that it may still explore adding one additional online sports betting platform under its oversight.

According to the Rhode Island Current, lottery officials have stated that they intend to seek a single new app vendor, in addition to Sportsbook Rhode Island, which could begin operating after November 2026.

“The intention is to seek one new app vendor (in addition to SportsbookRI) to begin offering online sports betting after November 2026,” Lottery spokesperson Paul Grimaldi said in an email to The Current.

“There would be an evaluation period, of unspecified length at the moment, to decide how well the new app is working, being accepted by bettors, and whether it’s adding to the state’s online sports betting revenue.”

The Lottery has set February 19 as the deadline for interested bidders to respond to its Request for Qualifications process. According to The Current, Bally’s and Kambi have confirmed interest.

Even with a second platform, the Lottery’s approach would maintain Rhode Island’s centralized, lottery-controlled model. That leaves broader hopes for a competitive, multi-license sports betting market effectively off the table for the foreseeable future.