Posted on: May 27, 2026, 08:46h.
Last updated on: May 27, 2026, 08:46h.
- Rhode Island’s sports betting landscape is set to broaden by the end of this year
- Bally Bet, the sportsbook affiliated with Bally’s, has received approval in Rhode Island
- Bally Bet plans to vie with the Rhode Island Lottery’s existing sports betting platform
Sports enthusiasts in Rhode Island will soon enjoy more options for placing their bets.
Recently, the Lottery Division of the Rhode Island Department of Revenue has chosen Bally’s Corporation as its second approved mobile sportsbook. This new sports wagering provider will compete with the Rhode Island Sportsbook, which is operated online and at retail by International Gaming Technology for the Rhode Island Lottery.
Among the two bids received, Bally’s Sportsbook proposal stood out, while Rush Street Gaming attempted to bring its BetRivers Sportsbook to the state. As predicted, the RI Lottery Division awarded the contract to Bally’s, the operator of the state’s casinos including Bally’s Lincoln and Bally’s Tiverton.
The initial bid granted to Bally’s, which could be revoked if they do not meet the state’s pre-launch criteria, will permit Bally Bet to offer sports wagering both online and at the two physical casino locations. Bally’s had earlier obtained a retail sportsbook license to manage sports betting at these venues for the Rhode Island Sportsbook.
Expected Launch Date for Bally Bet in Rhode Island
If the regulatory evaluation of Bally’s sportsbook operations is successful, Bally Bet could officially launch by December 2026. The state’s contract delineates that they are not permitted to start taking bets before November 26.
Bally’s is elated to have been granted a second sports betting license by the State of Rhode Island. We value the trust the state has shown in our ability to deliver a top-tier product designed for scalability, innovation, and the ever-evolving needs of today’s bettors – a venture aimed at increasing revenues for Rhode Island taxpayers,” stated Bally’s spokesperson Patti Doyle.
Last year, Spectrum Gaming, a gaming advisory firm, evaluated the sports betting market in Rhode Island. This study, commissioned by the RI Lottery, pointed out the necessity for competition to draw more bettors into the regulated space.
As the exclusive option, the lottery has prompted dissatisfaction among bettors due to inadequate odds and limited incentives when compared to sportsbooks in neighboring states. This has led many to seek alternatives across state lines or turn to offshore websites for their betting needs.
Spectrum proposed that the state should consider granting four to six additional online sportsbook licenses. For now, the state is starting with just one.
Small Market, Significant Opportunities?
In the fiscal year 2025, the Rhode Island Sportsbook managed under $400 million in online bets, retaining approximately $33.5 million in revenue. Meanwhile, the two retail Bally’s Sportsbooks yielded a mere $4.3 million, amassing a total revenue of $37.8 million.
In comparison, Maine, similar in population but with roughly 300,000 more residents, generated over $68.5 million in sports betting revenue in 2025. Notably, Maine features sports betting platforms such as DraftKings and Caesars Sportsbook.
While Rhode Island may be considered small, it possesses considerable wealth, with a median household income nearing $85,000, positioning it 14th in the nation. In contrast, Maine ranks 29th with a household income of $74,000.