Bally’s Selected as Operator for Rhode Island’s Second Online Sports Betting Platform

Details of the Selection and Competitive Bid

Bally’s emerged as the winner following evaluations conducted by the Rhode Island Lottery which assessed proposals on operational capabilities, revenue projections, and compliance standards, whereas Rush Street Interactive submitted a bid through its BetRivers brand that ultimately fell short in the final review. This outcome grants Bally’s the rights to launch and manage the platform exclusively at its two Rhode Island casino sites, creating a dual-operator model that pairs the newcomer with the established IGT service. Officials confirmed the decision aligns with state goals to increase handle volume and diversify options for bettors without disrupting current systems.

Those familiar with the bidding process note that Bally’s emphasized integration with its physical casinos at Lincoln and Tiverton, which already host sportsbooks and related amenities, while the launch timeline provides ample preparation time ahead of November 2026. The arrangement ends IGT’s sole-provider status that began in 2019 when the company first activated online sports betting across the state.

Financial Performance and Revenue Data

Rhode Island Lottery data shows online sports betting generated $26.7 million in handle between July and March with the state receiving approximately $13.6 million from those operations, and these figures reflect steady growth since the initial rollout. The revenue stream supports state programs while demonstrating consistent participation from users who place wagers through the existing IGT platform. Observers point out that expanding to a second operator could further boost these totals once Bally’s site activates in late 2026.

Figures from the same period reveal that the state’s share comes primarily from taxes and fees applied to the handle, creating a direct link between betting volume and public funding. Data indicates the July-through-March window captured a full season of major sports events which contributed to the overall totals without seasonal interruptions.

Transition from IGT Exclusivity and Market Expansion

IGT has operated the sole online sports betting platform in Rhode Island since 2019 when state legislation first authorized digital wagering tied to the two casinos, and this long-standing arrangement will conclude with the introduction of Bally’s service. The shift allows for competition between platforms while maintaining regulatory oversight through the Lottery which approves all operators and monitors compliance. Bally’s selection ensures that both Lincoln and Tiverton locations will feature enhanced digital access points connected to their existing retail sportsbooks.

People who have tracked the industry note that ending exclusivity often leads to increased marketing and product variety, although the precise features of the Bally’s platform remain under development until closer to the November 2026 launch. The dual setup positions Rhode Island as one of the earlier states to adopt a multi-operator model for online sports betting.

Timeline Leading to November 2026 Launch

Preparations for the Bally’s platform are expected to begin immediately following the official announcement with technical integrations and regulatory approvals scheduled throughout 2025 and into 2026, and the November launch date gives the company time to align its systems with Lottery requirements. Bally’s Lincoln and Tiverton properties will serve as the operational hubs where servers, customer support, and account management functions will be based. This timeline keeps the rollout aligned with the start of the major professional sports seasons that typically drive higher betting activity.

State regulators have indicated that testing phases will occur in the months prior to launch to ensure seamless user experiences and secure transaction processing, building on lessons learned from the IGT platform that has run continuously since 2019.

Conclusion

The Rhode Island Lottery’s selection of Bally’s establishes a clear path toward expanded online sports betting options that will operate alongside the current IGT service, and the November 2026 launch at Lincoln and Tiverton marks the end of a seven-year period of exclusivity. Revenue data from the most recent reporting period underscores the financial foundation already in place while highlighting potential for growth under the new arrangement. This development keeps Rhode Island’s regulated market evolving in step with broader industry trends without altering existing oversight structures.