Rhode Island’s hopes to expand its online sports betting market were dashed when Senate Bill 748, which aimed to open the state’s market to multiple operators, failed to progress in the House of Representatives. Despite initial Senate approval, the bill struggled to gain traction, ultimately stalling before the conclusion of the state’s 2025 legislative session. This means International Game Technology (IGT) will remain the sole provider for online sports betting in Rhode Island, continuing its exclusive contract with the Rhode Island Lottery.

The Senate’s Approval and Amendments

Earlier this month, the Rhode Island Senate passed SB 748 by a wide margin of 30-3. The bill, introduced by Sen. Frank A. Ciccone (D-7), sought to end IGT’s monopoly over online sports betting, a move that supporters believed would benefit consumers and the state’s revenue. The Senate version of the bill included an amendment that would allow for up to five operators, though a minimum of three was also considered. Additionally, the amendment proposed ending IGT’s exclusive contract by January 31, 2026, although the original version of the bill had set the renewal deadline for July 1, 2026.

However, the amended version of the bill, which would have introduced competition in the state’s sports betting landscape, faced significant opposition in the House. The bill never made it to committee for discussion, and with the close of the legislative session on June 21, 2025, it effectively died.

IGT’s Continued Monopoly

With the bill failing to advance, IGT remains the exclusive operator for online sports betting in Rhode Island, a position it has held since the state first legalized sports betting in 2019. The company runs the state’s only online platform, Sportsbook Rhode Island, which is licensed through the Rhode Island Lottery. The lack of competition in the state means that Rhode Island will continue to see substantial tax revenue from online wagering, despite the absence of market diversity.

For the fiscal year 2025, the Rhode Island Lottery reported over $27.7 million in online sports betting revenue, with $14.1 million of that total coming from taxes. Despite the high tax rate of 51%, Rhode Island’s online sports betting market continues to generate significant funds for the state. However, advocates for market expansion argue that introducing more operators would not only benefit consumers but also increase state revenue, as seen in other states with multiple licensed sportsbooks.

The Future of Rhode Island’s Sports Betting Market

As Rhode Island stands today, IGT is the only entity licensed to operate online sports betting platforms, a setup that contrasts with states like New Jersey, which offers consumers multiple options. Sen. Ciccone, a vocal supporter of the bill, expressed concern that having a single operator limits options for bettors and reduces potential state revenue. “With legalized sports betting flourishing across the country, there is ample evidence on how this new industry works best for consumers and the state,” Ciccone said, according to Sports Betting Dime. He argued that a more competitive market would cater to Rhode Island’s sports bettors, who often cross state lines to bet in Massachusetts, where multiple operators are available.

Without new legislation, IGT’s dominance in Rhode Island will continue until at least 2026, when its current contract with the Rhode Island Lottery expires. While no official plans have been announced to revisit the issue, the stalled legislation has raised questions about the state’s ability to adapt its sports betting framework to remain competitive in the evolving U.S. market.

The Bigger Picture: Exclusive Online Sportsbook Markets in the U.S.

Rhode Island’s situation mirrors other states that have implemented exclusive online sports betting markets. Delaware, for example, has been limited to a single operator, BetRivers, since it legalized sports betting. Florida has also adopted an exclusive model, with Hard Rock Bet serving as the sole operator through its pact with the Seminole Tribe. Additionally, DraftKings holds an exclusive sports betting license in New Hampshire. As states like Massachusetts and New Jersey continue to see the benefits of multiple sportsbooks, Rhode Island’s decision to maintain exclusivity may leave it behind in terms of both consumer satisfaction and revenue potential.