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Rhode Island’s Sports Betting Drama: A Slow Rollout, Big Questions

Who Gets the Win?

Rhode Island just dropped a bombshell on its sports betting future, but not everyone’s cheering. The state awarded its second online sportsbook license to Bally’s—a surprise move that shut out Rush Street Interactive, a major player eager to enter the market. The twist? Bally’s won’t even get to play until late 2026, when the current operator’s contract expires. That’s when IGT, the company behind Rhode Island’s first sportsbook since 2019, loses its monopoly.

IGT Stays, But Customers Aren’t Happy

Even though IGT’s deal was extended for two more years (keeping it in charge until 2028), bettors aren’t impressed. Complaints about slow app performance—especially on complex bets—are piling up. One frustrated Apple user called it "the worst sportsbook experience you could get," despite the app maintaining decent ratings. Clearly, numbers don’t always tell the full story.

Where Are the Big Players?

Here’s the kicker: DraftKings and FanDuel, the giants dominating sports betting in nearby states, didn’t even apply. DraftKings cited Rhode Island’s restrictive terms, while FanDuel stayed silent. Insiders suspect the 51% tax on revenue—leaving operators with just 32%—is scaring them off. With such slim margins, profit isn’t exactly a sure bet.

Lawmakers Want a Rewrite

Two new bills aim to shake things up, proposing a revenue split of up to 79% for operators—but only after the state hits $18.6 million in tax revenue. FanDuel is all in, arguing this could attract better platforms while still filling state coffers. The problem? Both bills are stuck in committee, with little chance of passing this year.

The Future: Competition or Stagnation?

As one lawmaker put it: "Once you get competition, things have to change." Whether that means better odds for bettors or just a reshuffled market remains unclear. One thing’s certain—Rhode Island’s sports betting scene is far from settled.