Rhode Island Senate Approves Bill to Expand Online Sports Betting
The Rhode Island Senate has voted overwhelmingly, 30-3, in favor of a bill that could significantly broaden the state’s online sports betting landscape. SB 748 aims to increase the number of online sports betting operators from one to a maximum of five, a shift necessitated by a growing demand for more options from consumers.
Currently, the state is tied exclusively to International Game Technology (IGT) as its sole operator since the inception of sports betting in 2019. Under the new legislation, if passed by the House of Representatives, the market would be opened for the first time, encouraging competitive bidding for licenses among potential new operators.
Notably, the Senate’s amendment stipulates that IGT’s contract cannot be renewed after January 31, 2026. House Leader Sen. Frank A. Ciccone emphasized that the current single-operator model does not serve the best interests of consumers or the state’s revenue, highlighting that diversified options could bolster local sports betting revenue and help retain customers within Rhode Island, rather than losing them to Massachusetts.
Popular operators like FanDuel and DraftKings may soon have the opportunity to enter the market, though the companion House bill, HB 6048, is currently stalled in committee.
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