Bally’s Wins Rhode Island Online Sportsbook License at 51% Tax

The Rhode Island Lottery selected Bally’s Corporation as the state’s second online sportsbook operator. The license would give Bally’s the full 49% operator-retail revenue share while the state retains a 51% tax on online sports betting. No contract has been signed.

Bally’s prevailed over Rush Street Interactive’s BetRivers in a bidding process that produced two applicants. If the award is finalized, Bally’s could launch an online platform in November, when International Game Technology’s exclusive arrangement is scheduled to end. The Lottery extended IGT’s contract earlier this year but opened applications for a second vendor in late 2025 and received submissions in February.

Lottery Deputy Director Michael O’Rourke described the agency’s review as “a thorough review process” and noted officials had hoped for more applicants.

Under Rhode Island’s framework the Lottery collects 51% of online sports betting revenue. The operator and the retail casino partner split the remaining 49%. Under the existing IGT arrangement, IGT receives 32% and retail partners receive 17%. Bally’s owns the state’s two retail sportsbooks in Lincoln and Tiverton and operates the platform, so under the new license it would retain the full 49% operator-retail share.

State figures show online sports betting produced about $26.7 million in revenue from July 2025 through March 2026, with the state collecting roughly $13.6 million during that period.

Legislative efforts to expand the market have stalled. A 2025 Senate proposal to allow three to five online sportsbooks passed the Senate but did not receive a House committee hearing. A consulting study commissioned by lawmakers recommended opening the market to additional operators and lowering the 51% tax. A bill introduced in the 2026 session has not advanced.

Bally’s is pursuing several other gaming projects. The company is developing the Bally’s Chicago casino, now delayed to 2027; holds one of three New York-area licenses to build a casino-resort in the Bronx; and plans a Las Vegas property near the former Oakland A’s ballpark site. Internationally, Bally’s has pursued an acquisition of Australia’s Star Entertainment Group, opened its first U.K. retail property earlier this year, and has held talks to acquire Evoke plc, parent of William Hill and 888.

The Lottery and Bally’s must complete contract negotiations and legal paperwork before Bally’s can activate an online platform for Rhode Island players later this year.