Rhode Island’s Sports Betting Shake-Up: What You Need to Know

Photo by Amit Lahav on Unsplash

So Rhode Island’s been doing this thing where only one company, IGT, basically runs the show when it comes to online sports betting. If you’ve ever placed a bet there, you’ve been going through them. And for a while, that was just the way things worked. But, like most monopolies, people eventually get tired of the same old setup. And now, we’ve hit that moment.

The state Senate has just pushed through Senate Bill 748. This bill is a game-changer because it wants to break up IGT’s exclusive contract and let other companies into the mix. Think DraftKings, FanDuel, Bonus Finder, BetMGM… you know the names. All the big players that usually pop up first when sports betting goes live somewhere new.

The vote wasn’t even close. Senators voted 30–2 in favor of it, which shows how ready lawmakers are to change the landscape. Next stop is the House. And that’s where it gets interesting because the House has to pass it before the legislative session wraps up. If they don’t? The bill dies, and we’re back to square one.

Why Now?

IGT’s contract was supposed to run until July 1, 2026. But this bill would cut it short, ending things on January 31, 2026, instead. That’s not a huge difference on paper, but symbolically it matters. It signals that Rhode Island doesn’t want to wait around forever. Lawmakers see the sports betting industry exploding everywhere else and don’t want to keep their residents stuck with a single option.

And here’s the kicker: the tax rate, a whopping 51% of gross gaming revenue, isn’t changing. That’s already one of the highest in the country. So if you’re a sportsbook operator eyeing Rhode Island, you’re doing so knowing that the state is going to take half your cut right off the top. Some might shy away from that. Others might say the market’s too small to begin with. But for giants like DraftKings or FanDuel, it’s more about footprint than profit margins.

What could this mean for sports bettors in Rhode Island?

If you live in Rhode Island and bet online, you’ve been stuck with IGT’s platform. No offense, but it’s not exactly the most exciting product. More competition could mean better apps, smoother user experiences, and maybe even better promos. When sportsbooks fight for your attention, you usually win in some way.

Think about how states like New Jersey or Pennsylvania launched. Operators rolled out crazy welcome bonuses, free bets, and deposit matches - all to win customers fast. If Rhode Island finally opens the doors, we could see a mini-version of that. Not on the same scale, since Rhode Island is small, but noticeable enough to make people take notice.

Where does fantasy fit in?

Sure, most of the chatter is about sportsbooks, but fantasy sports are riding the same wave. And not just the NFL or NBA stuff—think daily fantasy, and even reality TV leagues where you’re drafting cast members instead of quarterbacks.

Here’s the thing: when more operators come into a market, they don’t just fight for bettors—they fight for players. That usually means slicker apps, better prize pools, and more creative game formats. For Rhode Islanders, that could mean new ways to play, whether you’re sweating the next touchdown or the next rose ceremony.

Fantasy doesn’t get hit with the same tax headaches as sportsbooks, but it still benefits from competition. The more companies in the game, the more options (and fun) for fans.

The Politics Behind It

The reason this is happening now has a lot to do with pressure. Neighboring states like Massachusetts are thriving with multiple sportsbooks. Residents talk. Lawmakers listen. And when everyone can see that sports betting competition works elsewhere, it gets harder to defend a one-company monopoly.

Still, politics can derail everything. The Senate was on board, but the House dragging its feet is a big problem. No hearing, no progress, no law. That’s exactly what happened last session: the bill just died. All that momentum, gone in an instant.

So the question becomes: will the House take it seriously this time around, or will Rhode Island stay stuck until 2026?

Bettors are watching…

For casual fans, it’s all a waiting game. The bill is exciting on paper, but until it passes and operators start applying for licenses, nothing changes. For now, IGT’s still the only game in town.

That doesn’t mean hope is gone. It simply means that Rhode Islanders will continue to refresh headlines, wondering if their betting world is finally about to expand. The good news is, conversations like this one show momentum. And momentum matters.

Final Thoughts

Sports betting is supposed to be competitive, fun, and innovative. Rhode Island has lagged behind by remaining tied to a single company. Senate Bill 748 is the first real chance to shake that up. Whether it actually happens depends on what lawmakers decide in the House.

Until then, keep your eyes on June 30. That’s the deadline. Miss it, and the bill’s gone. Hit it, and Rhode Island sports betting could be entering a whole new era. One where companies like DraftKings and FanDuel can finally compete for your bets. Want to stay updated? Affiliate sites like Bonus Findertrack these changes closely, so you’ll know exactly what’s next.