Rhode Island lawmakers approve legislation for multi-app betting market
The legislation would hinder use of the Sportsbook Rhode Island app, developed and operated by IGT, which has been the state’s sole legal online sports wagering platform since inception.
Key Points
- The Senate bill, officially passed on June 4, would prevent the Rhode Island Lottery from renewing its exclusive contract with IGT
- Instead, the organization would be required to award contracts to between three and five sports betting operators through a competitive bidding process beginning in 2026
Rhode Island lawmakers officially passed legislation on June 4 that would prevent the state’s Lottery from renewing its exclusive contract with International Game Technology (IGT), instead requiring it to award contracts to between three and five sports betting operators through a competitive bidding process beginning in 2026.
The legislation, if also passed by Rhode Island’s House of Representatives, could severely hinder use of the Sportsbook Rhode Island app, developed and operated by IGT, which has been the state’s sole legal online sports wagering platform since inception.
Apps from fellow operators such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, ESPN Bet and Bally’s are currently only eligible if Rhode Island residents cross the state lines into Massachusetts. DraftKings wrote a committee testimony to back the legislation, having said, “We believe Rhode Island can reach its market potential with Senate Bill 748.”
“The bill would allow Rhode Island residents to play on their favorite apps, while increasing tax revenue. A marketplace with multiple choices for players leads to a better player experience – operators are forced to innovate, while competing for business.”
IGT argued that despite multiple sportsbook operators showcasing support for the legislation, it remained as the only company to submit a bid for an exclusive sports betting app contract during 2019.
Good to know: IGT has announced that its PlayDigital iGaming platform went live in Rhode Island on March 15 via the Bally Casino app
“The Rhode Island model outperforms many of its regional peers despite the presence of high-profile competitors in neighboring states,” IGT SVP Joe Bertolone wrote as part of a Senate testimony.
“This strong fiscal performance is not coincidental; it reflects the benefits of centralized operations, cohesive marketing and product development through committed in-state operating partners. The data strongly suggests that maintaining the current model is the most prudent course of action to safeguard and grow state revenues.”
The original version of the sports betting bill, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone, directed the Rhode Island Lottery to award “at least five” contracts to “interested vendors” when IGT’s deal expires during November 2026.
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