Rhode Island sports betting market set for expansion
4 June 2025(PRESS RELEASE) -- The Senate today approved legislation introduced by Majority Leader Frank A. Ciccone III that would increase the number of companies allowed to offer sports betting in Rhode Island. Currently, only IGT has state approval to run the state’s only sports betting service.
“With legalized sports betting flourishing across the country, there is ample evidence on how this new industry works best for consumers and the state. And what we are seeing is that having only one company exclusively operate is not in the best interests of consumers or from a revenue generating standpoint. This bill will give our state’s sports bettors the options that they are clamoring for and in turn, will hopefully strengthen the revenue generated from sports betting in Rhode Island and not across the border in Massachusetts,” said Leader Ciccone (D-Dist. 7, Providence, Johnston).
The legislation (2025-S 0748Aaa) would stop the State Lottery Division of Gaming from renewing any existing sports wagering vendor contracts after Jan. 31, 2026. Prior to the expiration of any existing contracts, the division would issue an open invitation for applicants for sports-wagering vendors. Not less than three, but no more than five, vendors would then be awarded contracts.
The bill now heads to the House for consideration, where Rep. Matthew S. Dawson (D-Dist. 65, East Providence) has introduced the legislation (2025-H 6048).