Bally’s Secures Second Online Sports Betting License in Rhode Island

(AsiaGameHub) –   Rhode Island is expanding its online sports betting market by approving a second operator, ending years of having only one digital sportsbook available in the state.

Good to Know

• Bally’s secured the second Rhode Island online sportsbook licence over BetRivers.
• Sportsbook Rhode Island, operated by IGT, has been the sole approved online platform since 2019.
• Bally’s plans to launch its service in November, following the expiration of IGT’s exclusivity period.

Bally’s has been granted a license for online sports betting in Rhode Island, as reported by NBC 10 WJAR. This decision introduces a new brand to the state’s mobile wagering landscape and marks the end of a single-operator model that began when online betting launched in 2019.

Rush Street Gaming, the owner of BetRivers, also submitted an application. However, no other companies participated in the process, according to Michael O’Rourke, deputy director of the Rhode Island Lottery, who told NBC 10:

“There was a thorough review process.

“We had hoped for greater participation, but ultimately no additional applicants came forward.”

Bally’s Strengthens Its Position in Rhode Island Betting

Bally’s already maintains a significant presence in Rhode Island’s sports betting sector. The company operates both retail sportsbooks located within the state’s casinos and previously captured 17% of total sportsbook revenue under the existing agreement with IGT.

Under the prior arrangement, IGT retained 32% of revenue, while Rhode Island government received 51% through gaming taxes—the highest sports betting tax rate in the United States. This high rate likely discouraged major operators like FanDuel and DraftKings from entering the market.

With its new licence, Bally’s will now receive 49% of revenue from its own online sportsbook, while the state continues to collect 51%, according to NBC 10. Although final contract details are pending, Bally’s is scheduled to go live in November when the current IGT exclusivity agreement concludes.

Patti Doyle, spokesperson for Bally’s, stated:

“Bally’s is delighted to have been awarded a second sports betting licence by the State of Rhode Island. We appreciate the trust and confidence placed in us to deliver a top-tier product—designed for scalability, innovation, and meeting the evolving needs of today’s bettors—which will contribute additional revenue to support Rhode Island taxpayers.”

The state opened applications late last year, with operators required to submit their proposals by February. The lottery commission viewed increased competition as a means to retain more betting activity within Rhode Island rather than losing customers to nearby Massachusetts sportsbooks.

Bally’s will operate its online sportsbook in Rhode Island for at least five years, with an option to extend for another five-year term.