Summary:
- Senate Bill 748 would end Bally’s exclusive contract and allow 3–5 sports betting apps to operate starting in 2026.
- DraftKings and others argue competition would improve user experience and increase state revenue.
- Bally and Lottery officials warn that the change could reduce state profits and strain oversight resources.
Rhode Island’s long-standing, single-operator sports betting system is under fire, with lawmakers weighing a dramatic shake-up that could bring in big-name gambling apps like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM.
Since legal sports betting began in the state, Rhode Islanders have only had access to one option. Namely, the Sportsbook Rhode Island app, which is exclusively run by Bally. Nonetheless, that may soon change.
Senate Bill 748 Could End the Monopoly
A new bill passed by the state Senate on June 4 could end Bally’s monopoly when its current contract expires.
The proposal would prevent the Rhode Island Lottery from renewing Bally’s deal and require it to issue competitive bids to allow three to five gambling apps to operate in the state.
DraftKings wrote in support of the bill,
We believe Rhode Island can reach its market potential with Senate Bill 748. A marketplace with multiple choices for players leads to a better player experience – operators are forced to innovate, while competing for business
Proponents argue Rhode Island is underperforming. According to DraftKings, the state earns just $38 per adult in online betting revenue, one of the lowest rates nationwide, and far behind nearby Massachusetts.
Warnings of the System Possibly Backfiring
However, IGT who provide the games and state lottery officials warn that changing the system could backfire.
IGT Senior VP Joe Bertolone,
The Rhode Island model outperforms many of its regional peers despite the presence of high-profile competitors in neighboring states
He argued that the current setup generates more consistent returns due to its centralized control and high tax rates, including a nation-leading 51% on sports betting revenue, as well as a 17% fee paid to Bally’s.
Lottery Director Mark Furcolo echoed concerns, questioning whether the agency could realistically manage multiple vendors. He also raised constitutional red flags about blocking Ballys’s contract extension.
The House version of the bill, H6048, has yet to move beyond committee. Meanwhile, a different proposal sponsored by Rep. Scott Slater would allow Bally’s to live stream table games to players in other states.
H6388 could also create new jobs and generate fresh revenue.
Whether the state sticks with its single-operator model or dives into a more competitive market remains uncertain. Still, the debate is reshaping the future of online gambling in the Ocean State.
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