Bally’s Secures Rhode Island’s Second Online Sportsbook License
Bally’s has been chosen to operate Rhode Island’s second online sports betting site, expanding its role in the state’s gambling market.
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Since 2019, Rhode Island has only allowed one online sportsbook, Sportsbook Rhode Island, run by IGT. That monopoly will end later this year, when Bally’s is expected to launch its platform in November as IGT’s exclusive deal expires.
The Rhode Island Lottery opened the application process in late 2025, and only two companies submitted bids. After a review, Bally’s was selected over Rush Street Interactive. Lottery Deputy Director Michael O’Rourke explained, “There was a thorough review process,” adding that officials had hoped for more applicants but did not receive them.
State to keep 51% of revenue
The state keeps 51% of online sports betting revenue, one of the highest shares in the country. O’Rourke noted, “I think that was part of the reason some of the companies did not respond.” Despite the steep revenue split, Bally’s welcomed the opportunity.
The company already operates Rhode Island’s two casinos in Lincoln and Tiverton, giving it a strong presence in the market.
Under the current structure, 51% of revenue goes directly to the state, while the online vendor receives 32% and the physical sportsbook takes 17%. In the IGT arrangement, IGT collected the 32% cut while Bally’s earned 17% through its casinos in Lincoln and Tiverton.
With the new license, Bally’s will now claim the full 49% share as both the online operator and the physical sportsbook provider. Lottery figures show online sports betting generated $26.7 million between last July and the end of March, with the state’s portion amounting to about $13.6 million.
Bally’s spokeswoman Patti Doyle said in a statement, “Bally’s is thrilled to have been awarded a second sports betting license by the State of Rhode Island. We appreciate the confidence and trust the State has placed in our ability to provide a best-in-class product, built for scalability, innovation, and the evolving demands of modern bettors, which will generate additional revenue to benefit the Rhode Island taxpayers.”
Rhode Island’s move comes as neighboring states expand their sports betting markets. Critics of the one‑vendor system have argued that opening the market to more operators could increase competition and ultimately boost state revenue. Massachusetts, for example, has seven licensed online sportsbooks.
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