Rhode Island bill could open market to new sportsbooks
Senate Bill 748 has passed in Rhode Island, allowing the state to open its gambling structure to outside bidders if it completes the rest of its legislative journey.
The vote, which went 30-2 in favor of scrapping the current system, meaning sportsbook operators like DraftKings and FanDuel may be able to submit bids to run in the state once the current contract ends next year. However, the House companion bill has not advanced out of a committee.
“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,” DraftKings wrote in a letter supporting the bill.
IGT has held the right to operate exclusively in the state.
Gambling is still the third-largest source of revenue in the state budget, even with this monopoly, and reports of many gamblers complaining in the past about the functionality of the IGT gambling app.
IGT, however, does not necessarily believe this will bring more money into the state. The current right holders believe the state will have to lower taxes to facilitate the new gambling giants that may start operating there.
Senior Vice President of IGT Joe Bertolone also believes the current model works better than alternatives in neighboring states.
“The Rhode Island model outperforms many of its regional peers despite the presence of high-profile competitors in neighboring states,” he wrote in the Senate testimony.
Dig deeper
2025/04/29: Defeated Rhode Island online gaming bill up for reconsideration
2025/01/07: Rhode Island online gaming revenue hits nearly US$3 million in November
2025/01/31: Rhode Island reports record US$3.6 million in igaming revenue for December
2025/05/29: Rhode Island igaming revenue up 128% YoY in April
