Rhode Island Poised for Major Betting Market Expansion

Major Operators Eye Rhode Island's Betting Market

Rhode Island's sports betting market, currently dominated by a single operator, might soon open up to a competitive playing field. Eight leading betting firms have shown interest in the state's market as part of a response to the Rhode Island Lottery's recent industry feedback request. This move indicates a potential shift that could reshape the landscape of sports betting in the Ocean State.

Potential Changes to IGT's Monopoly

Currently, Rhode Island operates a single sportsbook app managed by IGT, which holds an exclusive contract through November 2026. However, state officials may issue a new request for proposals (RFP) to explore multi-operator models as early as this month. The companies expressing interest include:

• FanDuel
• DraftKings
• BetMGM
• Kambi
• OpenBet
• Fanatics
• Bally’s
• IGT (the incumbent)

Firms like Bally’s and Fanatics have publicly supported an open and competitive betting environment, adding momentum to the push for change.

Surrounding States Outperform Rhode Island

In comparison to its neighbors, Rhode Island lags in both revenue and user engagement. For instance, in August 2025, Massachusetts, with seven sportsbook apps, generated over $11 million in revenue, and Connecticut, with three operators, brought in $13 million. Meanwhile, Rhode Island's single app earned just under $3 million. Additionally, a September 2025 survey by the University of New Hampshire found that only 15% of Rhode Islanders occasionally place bets, compared to 18% in Massachusetts and 17% in Connecticut.

Political Support for Market Expansion

Earlier this year, Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone pushed for legislation to authorize an additional 3-5 operators by 2026. Although the proposal passed in the Senate, it stalled in the House. Still, the combined interest from major operators and existing market pressures might revive legislative efforts.

Looking Ahead

A formal RFP is expected before the end of the year. If successful, Rhode Island could join other states in adopting multi-operator sportsbook environments. This would break the current monopoly, potentially leading to more innovation, better odds, and enhanced user experiences for players.

The wind of change is blowing across Rhode Island’s betting landscape, and stakeholders eagerly watch to see how this potential shift will unfold, offering new opportunities for growth and competition in the region.