Rhode Island Sports Betting Expansion Timeline

Sports betting in Rhode Island remains limited to a single book, but that will change in 2026.

The Rhode Island State House peers above downtown Providence. A second online sportsbook platform is likely to come to Rhode Island this year.

The Rhode Island Lottery is fielding bids for a second online sportsbook license. Applications for the online skin are due by noon on February 19. The online sportsbook permit is to become operational effective Nov. 1, 2026.

The second online sportsbook will join Sportsbook Rhode Island, the lottery’s sports betting platform that’s managed by International Gaming Technology. IGT is also the partner of the Rhode Island Lottery for its slot-like video lottery terminals, which operate inside Bally’s Lincoln and Bally’s Tiverton.

State’s Goals for a New Sportsbook App

“The intention is to seek one new app vendor to begin offering online sports betting after November 2026,” state spokesperson Paul Grimaldi said. “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.”

In the state’s 2025 fiscal year, Sportsbook Rhode Island took $395.1 million in wagers online and kept less than $33.5 million. The sportsbook also operates in person at the two Bally’s casinos. It generated gross revenue, or money after paying out winnings, of just $4.3 million at the two physical sportsbooks.

Calls for Competition in Rhode Island

Pennsylvania-based gaming consultancy Spectrum Gaming conducted a review of Rhode Island’s sports betting market on behalf of the lottery last year. Spectrum concluded that Rhode Island would be smart to welcome new operators to create competition.

Bettors in Rhode Island have complained about IGT offering poor odds and few promotions and incentives compared with sportsbooks in neighboring states.

“I hope they expand. I am stuck until another vendor comes in. I see deals every day but not for RI residents,” a reader named Skip said in October.

Spectrum suggested bringing in four to six additional sportsbooks. The Rhode Island Lottery is starting with only one.

While Rhode Island is the 45th most populous state, it ranks 14th in median household income, at $85K. Another lure for sportsbooks is that the legal age to gamble in Rhode Island is only 18, meaning books could create loyal customers out of teens.

IGT’s Role and Tax Recommendations

Though IGT will soon face sports betting competition in Rhode Island, the gaming giant says it will continue to operate its online platform.

“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 PlaySports continues to invest in the Sportsbook Rhode Island app to ensure the Lottery is offering a premier betting product that makes a positive impact on the State’s commitments to good causes,” said Joe Bertolone, IGT SVP Sports Betting.

To allow platforms like IGT to offer better odds, Spectrum also recommended that Rhode Island cut its 51% state tax on gross revenue to 20%-35%. The consultancy also recommended that the state phase out its annual fee paid to Bally’s for hosting IGT sportsbooks.