There is now only one book available for sports betting in Rhode Island, but that will change in 2026.

Bids for a second online sportsbook license are being accepted by the Rhode Island Lottery. The online skin application deadline is February 19 at 12:00. On November 1, 2026, the online sportsbook permission will go into force.

Sportsbook Rhode Island, the lottery's sports betting platform run by International Gaming Technology, will welcome the second online sportsbook. Additionally, IGT operates slot-like video lottery terminals inside Bally's Lincoln and Bally's Tiverton as a partner of the Rhode Island Lottery.

“The intention is to seek one new app vendor to begin offering online sports betting after November 2026,” state spokesperson Paul Grimaldi told the Rhode Island Current. “There would be an evaluation period, of unspecified length at the moment, to decide how well the new app is working, being accepted by bettors, and whether it’s adding to the state’s online sports betting revenue.”

Sportsbook Rhode Island received $395.1 million in online bets during the state's 2025 fiscal year and retained less than $33.5 million. The two Bally's casinos are also physical locations for the sportsbook. At the two actual sportsbooks, it only made $4.3 million in gross revenue, or money after winnings were paid out.

Competition Is Required 

Last year, Spectrum Gaming, a gaming consultancy with headquarters in Pennsylvania, reviewed the sports betting market in Rhode Island for the lottery. Spectrum came to the conclusion that in order to foster competition, Rhode Island would be wise to invite new operators.

In comparison to sportsbooks in nearby states, Rhode Island bettors have expressed dissatisfaction at IGT's low odds and lack of promotions and incentives.

"I hope they expand. I am stuck until another vendor comes in. I see deals every day but not for RI residents,” Casino.org reader Skip told us in October.

Spectrum recommended adding four or six more sportsbooks. There is just one at the beginning of the Rhode Island Lottery.

Despite being the 45th most populous state, Rhode Island has the 14th-highest median household income ($85K). The fact that Rhode Island's legal gambling age is only 18 is another draw for bookmakers, since it might attract devoted patrons among teenagers.

IGT Is Still 

The gaming behemoth claims it will keep running its online platform even though it will soon have to contend with sports betting competition in Rhode Island.

"IGT is very pleased to continue our long-term relationship with the Rhode Island Lottery through 2028 and help generate important revenue for the State through its sports betting operations powered by PlaySports technology. IGT PlaySports continues to invest in the Sportsbook Rhode Island app to ensure the Lottery is offering a premier betting product that makes a positive impact on the State’s commitments to good causes,” said Joe Bertolone, IGT SVP Sports Betting.

Spectrum has suggested that Rhode Island reduce its 51% state tax on gross revenue to 20%–35% in order to enable companies like IGT to provide better odds. Additionally, the consultant suggested that the state gradually stop paying Bally's an annual fee to run IGT sportsbooks.