News Summary
Rhode Island is considering expanding its online sports betting market as several operators express interest. The Rhode Island Lottery may issue a request for proposals following feedback from interested firms, aiming to diversify its sportsbook options amidst stiff competition from neighboring states’ markets.
Rhode Island is currently exploring the expansion of its online sports betting market as interest has been expressed by multiple operators. The Rhode Island Lottery is preparing to potentially increase the number of online sportsbook options beyond the single app currently in operation, which is managed by IGT, the state’s exclusive lottery equipment and technology provider.
Eight firms have shown interest in expanding the state’s online sportsbook offerings after a preliminary call for interest was issued earlier this summer. The companies that responded include International Game Technology (IGT), Bally’s, Fanatics, Kambi, DraftKings, BetMGM, OpenBet, and FanDuel. IGT has maintained exclusive rights to operate the Sportsbook RI app since 2019 and will continue to do so until November 2026.
Currently, Rhode Island is one of only four states, alongside New Hampshire, Delaware, and Montana, that offers only one online sports betting app. The existing Sportsbook RI app has faced its share of criticism, notably for a server outage that lasted 75 minutes on September 7, coinciding with the first Sunday of the NFL season.
The Rhode Island Lottery has indicated that it will utilize feedback from these interested firms to develop a request for proposals, which may be issued later this month. A spokesperson for the Lottery confirmed the agency is moving forward to examine the feasibility of adding more apps to the state’s online sports betting market.
In August 2025, the Rhode Island online sportsbook generated nearly $3 million in revenue. In contrast, nearby states Massachusetts and Connecticut reported revenues exceeding $11 million and $13 million, respectively, from their own online betting markets. This significant difference has prompted discussions among lawmakers about the need for increased competition in Rhode Island.
Senator Frank Ciccone has previously introduced a bill that aimed to permit three to five sports betting vendors to operate by July 2026. While this bill passed in the Senate, it ultimately failed to progress in the House. A survey conducted by the University of New Hampshire recently revealed that a lower percentage of Rhode Island residents—only 15%—are inclined to participate in sports betting, compared to their neighbors.
Lawmakers argue that by diversifying the options available for sports betting, Rhode Island could recover lost revenue that has been absorbed by competitors in Connecticut and Massachusetts, which provide more online betting opportunities. However, experts suggest that while the addition of more suppliers may seem beneficial, it may not lead to a significant increase in state revenues, given that most bettors tend to wager within their own state jurisdictions.
Concerns have also been voiced regarding the potential impact of enhanced marketing and gambling offerings on young college students, especially those from neighboring regions where online betting is limited. The overall landscape of sports betting in the United States is evolving, with various states considering the loosening of monopoly regulations to foster competition and bolster revenue generation.
As Rhode Island initiatives to enhance its online sports betting market progress, the decisions made in the coming months will be crucial. With the potential for new operators to enter this space, as well as the ongoing challenge of retaining bettors within the state, the situation is developing, and stakeholders are watching closely.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CBS Sports: Rhode Island Will Remain a One Sportsbook State
- iGaming Business: Rhode Island Sports Betting Monopoly Could End
- Sports Betting Dime: Rhode Island Evaluating Potential Sports Betting Market Expansion
- Card Player: Eight Operators Want Rhode Island Sports Betting Access
- YoGonet: Rhode Island Regulators Consider Opening Online Sports Betting Market to Rivals in 2026
- 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.
