The operator of both casinos in Rhode Island has won a second sports betting license in the state, as Bally’s beat out Rush Street Interactive‘s BetRivers, according to local media.
The Rhode Island Lottery launched a request for qualifications in 2025, noting that it could choose to launch a second sports betting partner when the exclusive period ends for IGT on Nov. 26.
Bally’s and RSI were the only bidders, Lottery Deputy Director Michael O’Rourke told local NBC affiliate WJAR-TV. The 51% tax rate could be why other operators were not interested, he added.
The contract with Bally’s has not yet been signed, according to WJAR. The agreement will run for five years and can be mutually extended for another five.
Why was BetRivers interested in RI?
RSI is rarely interested in only offering sports betting, which is what the RFQ was for. Rhode Island has a legal online casino market that launched in March 2024, but that is a monopoly operated by Bally’s.
“We’re focusing on what we know is the engine of our industry, casino, and we’re years ahead, we think, in the player experience,” RSI CEO Richard Schwartz said in December.
RSI did not respond to a request for comment by publication.
Bally’s ‘thrilled’ for license
Winning the license shows Rhode Island’s confidence in Bally’s, spokeswoman Patti Doyle told WJAR.
“Bally’s is thrilled to have been awarded a second sports betting license by the State of Rhode Island,” Doyle said. “We appreciate the confidence and trust the State has placed in our ability to provide a best-in-class product – built for scalability, innovation, and the evolving demands of modern bettors – which will generate additional revenue to benefit the Rhode Island taxpayers.”
Bally’s will have multiple databases to pick through to find new sports betting customers. Along with its retail and online casino databases in Rhode Island, Bally Bet is also live in Massachusetts.
Bally Bet originally was run on in-house technology Bally’s acquired in its purchase of Gamesys for more than $2 billion, but that was a mistake, Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim said in 2024.
Bill to expand RI sports betting filed
There is a bill in the Rhode Island legislature that would add four to six new sports betting licenses.
SB 3118 calls for the Lottery to open an application period by Jan. 1, 2027. The bill was introduced in March but has not yet had any hearings.
The legislative session runs through June 30.
