Bally’s Set to Launch Rhode Island Online Sportsbook After IGT Exclusivity Ends

The company will officially begin operating its online sportsbook in the state once the exclusivity period currently held by International Game Technology (IGT) expires on November 26. The move marks a major shift in Rhode Island’s gambling landscape, as residents have only had access to a single online sportsbook provider since legal sports betting launched in 2018.

For years, Rhode Island’s online betting market has been dominated by Sportsbook Rhode Island, a platform developed and operated by IGT through an agreement with the state lottery. Bally’s, however, already has a strong foothold in the local market, as it operates the state’s only two retail sportsbook locations. Under the previous arrangement, Bally’s collected 17% of sports betting revenue generated in Rhode Island, while IGT received 32%, with the state retaining the remaining 51%.

Following the approval of Bally’s online sportsbook license, the company’s share of total sports betting revenue is expected to rise significantly. Bally’s will now receive 49% of statewide revenue under the terms of its new contract, while Rhode Island will continue to keep its 51% share. The agreement between Bally’s and the Rhode Island Lottery has been signed for an initial five-year period and includes an option for a further five-year extension.

The Rhode Island Lottery first began exploring the possibility of adding a second sportsbook vendor in late 2025, opening the application process to new operators. Bally’s had already strengthened its relationship with the state earlier, becoming Rhode Island’s first iGaming operator in March 2024. Despite Bally’s new role in online sports wagering, IGT will still remain involved in the market after signing a contract extension with the Lottery on January 7. That agreement ensures IGT will continue supporting both retail and online sports betting operations in Rhode Island through at least November 2028.

Meanwhile, lawmakers in Rhode Island are considering further expansion of the market. Senate Bill 3118, introduced in March, proposes allowing up to six sports betting vendor licenses within the state. The bill is currently awaiting a hearing before the Rhode Island Senate Labor and Gaming Committee.