Bally’s Expands Rhode Island Betting Presence With Second Online Sportsbook License

Bally’s is set to expand its sports betting operations in Rhode Island after securing the state’s second online sportsbook license, marking a significant shift in one of the most tightly controlled betting markets in the United States.

The Rhode Island Lottery selected Bally’s over Rush Street Interactive for the license, with the new sportsbook expected to launch in November 2026 after the expiration of IGT’s long-standing exclusivity agreement.

Since 2019, Rhode Island has operated under a single-operator online sports betting system through Sportsbook Rhode Island, powered by IGT. Bally’s entry will officially end that setup and introduce a second online platform into the state’s regulated market.

Bally’s Strengthens Its Position in Rhode Island

Bally’s Corporation already holds a strong presence in Rhode Island through its two land-based casino properties in Lincoln and Tiverton.

Under the previous structure, the company received a percentage of sportsbook revenue through its physical casino partnership with the state. With its own online sportsbook license, Bally’s will now directly control a larger portion of the operator revenue generated through digital betting.

The move further strengthens Bally’s position in Rhode Island’s gaming ecosystem, where the company has steadily expanded its online and interactive gambling operations over the past several years. Bally’s digital division currently includes sports betting, iGaming, poker, free-to-play gaming, and fantasy sports products across multiple markets.

Bally’s spokesperson Patti Doyle described the approval as an important step for the company’s long-term growth in the state, while also highlighting plans to deliver a more scalable and modern betting platform for local users.

Rhode Island Market Finally Adds Competition

The approval also represents a rare increase in competition within Rhode Island’s sports betting market.

Compared to larger states such as New Jersey or Massachusetts, Rhode Island has maintained a far more limited betting structure with fewer operators and stricter revenue-sharing models. That setup has often been criticized for limiting product variety and promotional competition for bettors.

The addition of Bally’s as a second operator could bring more competitive offerings into the market, including new features, betting options, promotions, and platform improvements for Rhode Island users.

However, the state’s high revenue-sharing structure remains one of the more restrictive environments for operators. Industry observers noted that Rhode Island’s financial setup likely contributed to the low number of applicants during the licensing process. Only Bally’s and Rush Street Interactive submitted bids for the second license.

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Sports Betting and iGaming Continue Expanding

The Rhode Island decision also reflects the broader expansion of sports betting and online gambling across the United States.

More operators continue investing in digital gaming platforms as states gradually expand regulated betting markets. Companies are increasingly focusing on mobile-first sportsbooks, online casino products, and integrated betting ecosystems as consumer demand continues shifting toward online platforms.

For Bally’s, the Rhode Island license represents another step in its wider digital gaming strategy as the company continues expanding its footprint across sports betting and iGaming markets in North America.