Rhode Island Moves to Open Sports Gambling Market Amid Monopolistic Criticism
Providence, RI—In a significant shift for the Ocean State, Rhode Island has introduced bill HB 6048, which aims to terminate the monopoly currently held by Sportsbook RI. Effective July 1, 2026, the legislation is set to open the market to at least five competing sportsbooks, a move advocates say will boost competition and innovation in the state’s sports gambling landscape.
Rhode Island’s decision to transition from a single-operator model stems from ongoing concerns about the performance and acceptance of Sportsbook RI. Users have expressed dissatisfaction across app stores, with reviews highlighting issues like an outdated interface and poor service. These complaints have resonated with lawmakers, prompting Senator Frank Ciccone to champion the bill.
Moreover, Rhode Island’s sports betting revenue has stagnated, with significant drops in tax revenues observed between 2023 and 2025. For instance, March 2025 saw a staggering 30% decline in tax revenues compared to the previous year. In contrast, neighboring Maine has experienced a surge, almost doubling its taxable revenue during the same period, suggesting a strong market response to competition.
However, increasing the number of sportsbooks raises concerns about problem gambling. Critics argue that expanding the market could exacerbate gambling addiction without adequate support systems in place. While Bill HB 6048 currently lacks provisions for funding problem gambling programs, there is a possibility that lawmakers may incorporate necessary protections as the bill progresses.
As Rhode Island prepares for this transformative legislation, stakeholders urge residents to research and familiarize themselves with emerging sportsbooks, fostering a competitive environment that can ultimately benefit consumers. The legislative future of bill HB 6048 now rests in the hands of the Rhode Island legislature, where its implications for the state’s sports gambling scene are hotly debated.
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