News Summary
Rhode Island regulators are exploring the potential expansion of the state’s online sports betting market, currently operated solely by IGT. The Rhode Island Lottery is inviting interest from potential service providers, indicating growth opportunities in a market that has attracted attention from major sportsbooks. Legislative challenges have previously hindered expansion efforts, but state leaders aim to enhance revenue and compete with neighboring states. Surveys show considerable interest in sports betting among residents, despite concerns about gambling risks for younger participants.
Rhode Island regulators are contemplating an expansion of the state’s online sports betting market, which is currently limited to a single app operated by International Game Technology (IGT). The Rhode Island Lottery has invited potential service providers to express their interest in entering the state’s sports wagering scene as it evaluates options for growth.
This past summer, the Rhode Island Lottery issued a preliminary call for interest, seeking feedback from firms that might want to establish a presence in the state. Eight companies responded to the request for information, indicating significant interest in Rhode Island’s relatively small sportsbook market. These companies include Bally’s, Fanatics, Kambi, DraftKings, BetMGM, OpenBet, FanDuel, and IGT.
IGT holds an exclusive contract to operate Rhode Island’s digital sportsbook, which will remain in effect until November 2026. At present, Rhode Island is home to only one of four sports betting apps in the United States, sharing this distinction with Delaware, Montana, and New Hampshire.
As part of the ongoing assessment, the Rhode Island Lottery may issue a request for proposals later this month. Paul Grimaldi, a spokesperson for the Lottery, emphasized that they are actively exploring the feasibility of introducing additional sports betting applications to the market. Both Bally’s and Fanatics have publicly indicated their intent to participate in any potential request for proposals.
Efforts to allow multiple operators in the state have faced legislative hurdles in the past. A bill proposed by Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone received Senate passage but failed to advance in the House, highlighting ongoing challenges in expanding the sports betting framework.
Despite the limitations posed by having only one sportsbook app, Rhode Island has demonstrated potential profitability in this sector. In August 2025, the state generated nearly $3 million in online sportsbook revenue. This figure stands in contrast to Massachusetts, which earned over $11 million from seven apps, and Connecticut, which amassed approximately $13 million from three apps. Surveys show that 15% of Rhode Islanders have engaged in sports betting, which is lower than the rates in neighboring Massachusetts (18%) and Connecticut (17%).
While discussions regarding the expansion of online sports betting continue, some experts have cautioned that increasing the number of platforms may heighten gambling risks, particularly for younger bettors who can legally participate in Rhode Island’s betting market starting at age 18. Additionally, user experiences on the IGT-operated Sportsbook RI app have been mixed, with operational issues such as a server outage occurring during the opening weekend of the NFL season.
The proposed expansion reflects Rhode Island’s efforts to capture sports betting revenue that has been lost to neighboring states like Massachusetts and Connecticut over recent years. By potentially allowing additional sportsbook operators, Rhode Island aims to enhance its position within the competitive sports betting landscape while addressing legislative and market dynamics.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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- Rhode Island Current: R.I.’s Sportsbook Market May Open Up to Competition Next Year
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- Providence Journal: Popular Gambling Apps Under Investigation by R.I. State Police
- Legal Sports Report: Lawmakers RI Sports Betting Session Near Close
- Wikipedia: Sports Betting
- Google Search: Rhode Island Sports Betting
- Google Scholar: Rhode Island Sports Betting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sports Betting
- Google News: Rhode Island Sports Betting
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
