Increasing sports wagering, intensifying efforts against underage gambling in the closing stages of the Rhode Island legislative process
Whatcha got cookin', RI? The Senatory Senate is 'bout to cast a vote on a couple of bills, 'cause they're ready to throw open Rhode Island's sports betting industry to fresh vendors and slap some harsh penalties on those letting underage bastards gamble online.
Y'all bettin' on passage? Looks like it, with Frank Ciccone, a long-time ally of the Rhode Island gambling game crew, leading the charge. But on the House side, the outcome ain't all that clear.
Since 2023, International Game Technology (IGT) PLC held the sole gig of running the state's digital sportsbook. Now, lawmakers want to scrap that monopoly and let the Rhode Island Lottery evaluate other vendors when IGT's contract wraps up in November 2026.
A Look at the Current Landscape
Sports Betting's Logjam-Busting Expansion
Rhode Island's sports betting world is about to get a dose of competition, as they're axing the one-operator model for a multi-operator system. This change aims to brighten up the market and lure in more fishers of luck.
Key Moves and Rumblings
- Spectrum Gaming Report: Scraps the idea of a single operator and suggests doling out 4-6 sports betting licenses to operators to create a more competitive market. State taxes are sky-high at 51%, which could make it tough for companies like DraftKings and FanDuel to take a bite[1].
- Senate's OK: The Rhode Island Senate has given the thumbs-up to a bill that'd replace the one-operator model with a multi-operator setup. This decision shows a significant shift in the Rhode Island sports betting scene[2][3].
IGT's Position
IGT runs Sportsbook Rhode Island under a contract ending in 2026. If the plans go through, IGT might lose some of its muscle in the state's sports betting market[1].
Where's the Kids' Protection?
So far, there's no mention of any new anti-underage gambling measures in the plans. States usually deploy strategies like ID verification processes and public awareness campaigns to keep minors away from the betting scene[4].
What's Next?
The Rhode Island Lottery plans to drop an RFI (Request for Information) in early 2026. This move helps determine whether the multi-operator model's got enough solid support[1].
The competitive landscape of Rhode Island sports betting is expanding, with lawmakers aiming to axe the one-operator model and introduce a multi-operator system.
This shift, if successful, could potentially impact the dominance of International Game Technology (IGT) in the state's digital sportsbook market, given that IGT holds the current sole contract ending in November 2026.
