Senate approves pivotal Rhode Island online sports betting bill
Despite Rhode Island operating one of the few US online casinos markets (via multiple operators) the state is set to abolish its monopolized online sports betting industry, as a pivotal motion targeting market expansion has earned approval from government officials.
Titled ‘Senate Bill 748’, the proposal seeks to relinquish the control possessed by International Game Technology (IGT) over the state’s sports betting scene.
As things stand, IGT operates the Ocean State’s sole online sports betting platform. Labeled ‘Sportsbook Rhode Island’ – this website has served players since the region legalized internet-based sports gambling.
However, Senate Bill 748 threatens IGT’s grasp over sports betting operations in Rhode Island.
Announced in March 2025, the act has this month earned sufficient Senate votes (30-2) to enter the next legislative phase before being set into law – and a journey through the House now awaits.
What changes does Senate Bill 748 propose?
Specifically, this measure endeavors to bring a minimum of three and a maximum of five sportsbooks to the state.
Platforms such as FanDuel and DraftKings have been mooted as potential entrants.
While previous drafts sought to integrate no fewer than five sports betting operators, legislators have since amended that segment of the motion.
Fierce bill advocate and Senate Majority Leader, Frank Ciccone III, outlined why this minor alteration was made in an interview taken prior to its Senate success: “It’s a way of cleaning it up.”
Ciccone continued to explain that the state’s lottery was central to this change: “The lottery was always looking at more than one option.”
Senate Bill 748 also brings forward the termination date of IGT’s contract with the state Lottery.
Previously set to expire on July 1, 2026, the bill stipulates that the agreement shall cease on January 31, 2026.
What this act does not change is the t national-highest 51% tax rate applied to gross gaming revenue (GGR) – and parties pursuing Rhode Island access may be off-put by this duty.
Rhode Island Lottery: Friend or foe?
The Rhode Island Lottery stands as the state’s regulator and, having penned an exclusivity deal with IGT through November 2026, the authority is now searching for an out.
In May, a Lottery-funded study analyzing the most appropriate number of in-state online sportsbooks was undertaken by consultancy firm, Spectrum Gaming Group.
Totaling 96 pages, this comprehensive report concluded that between four and six online sports betting platforms would constitute an ‘optimal’ figure.
While these steps suggest the organization is eager to renounce IGT’s singular influence over the market, the body’s decision to hand full control over the gambling market to the UK-headquartered gaming organization has produced this standoff.
Rhode Island online sports betting bill: Next steps
Following considerable success in the state’s Senate, the motion is now set to be presented before the House.
As was the case during its Senate evaluation, the House will delegate a select committee to review each proposed component.
Should the House committee decide to move forward with the bill, a new vote shall be cast over Senate Bill 748.
The bill is then submitted to Gov Daniel McKee, who has three options:
- First, the governor may sign the bill into law immediately.
- Second, McKee can veto the bill – but legislators would likely overturn the governor’s decision through a vote.
- Alternatively, Senate Bill 748 could gain state authorization automatically if McKee opts not to sign or dismiss the act.
Rhode Island’s legislative session ends on June 30 – with a final decision on the bill expected ahead of that date.
