Bally’s has been selected to operate Rhode Island’s second online sports betting site, marking a significant expansion in the state’s regulated gambling market. The Rhode Island Lottery opened applications for a second vendor in late 2025, and Bally’s beat out Rush Street Interactive’s BetRivers for the license. Only these two companies submitted bids, according to Lottery Deputy Director Michael O’Rourke.

The new platform is expected to go live in November, following the end of IGT’s exclusive online sports betting arrangement, which has operated as the state’s sole provider since 2019. Massachusetts, in contrast, allows seven licensed online sports betting operators, highlighting Rhode Island’s comparatively limited competition.

Revenue Structure and Market Impact

Under the previous arrangement, Rhode Island collected 51% of online sports betting revenue, with IGT receiving 32% and Bally’s 17% through its physical sportsbooks. According to WJAR.TV, Bally’s will now capture all 49% of the online segment for the second license, since it operates both the digital and land-based sportsbooks at its Lincoln and Tiverton properties.

State lottery figures show online sports betting generated $26.7 million from July through March, with the state’s portion totaling roughly $13.6 million.

Bally’s spokeswoman, Patti Doyle, said, “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.”

Competitive Landscape and Future Plans

The five-year contract with Bally’s, which may be extended for another five, has yet to be finalized. The state’s 51% tax rate could have deterred other potential applicants, O’Rourke noted. BetRivers, typically seeking broader operations beyond single-market online betting, did not secure the license.

Bally’s will leverage multiple databases to attract new customers, including its existing retail and online casino accounts in Rhode Island and its Massachusetts platform. Bally Bet’s technology was initially built in-house after the acquisition of Gamesys for over $2 billion, a move that Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim described in 2024 as having been a mistake.

In parallel, Rhode Island lawmakers are considering legislation to further expand online sports betting. Bill SB 3118 proposes issuing four to six additional licenses, with an application period beginning January 1, 2027. The legislature will continue sessions through June 30, though the bill has not yet received hearings.

Bally’s acquisition of the second license positions the operator to consolidate its presence in Rhode Island, increase competition in the state’s online sports betting market, and potentially enhance revenue streams for the state while broadening player options.