Bally’s Approved to Launch Mobile Sportsbook in Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s sports betting market is about to double in size. 

The Rhode Island Lottery has approved Bally’s Corporation for an online sports betting license. It was selected over Rush Street Gaming, which was the only other operator to apply. Once it goes live, Bally Bet will be the second mobile sportsbook to enter the state, joining IGT-operated Sportsbook RI. 

Lawmakers have discussed expanding the mobile betting market for some time, but have been unable to do so due to the Lottery’s contract with IGT. That contract is set to expire on November 26, meaning Bally Bet Sportsbook can’t launch until then.

Momentum for expansion really picked up after a report from Spectrum Gaming Group last year. It is recommended that the state add four to six more mobile sportsbooks to maximize tax revenue from the industry.

While most of the country’s top sportsbook operators had signaled interest in joining the small New England market, only two applied for the new license. The state’s 51% tax rate is largely to blame, which is tied for the highest in the US. Given the small population, most sportsbooks believed the expensive market would not be worth the investment.

Lawmakers are actively considering a change to the rate, with many acknowledging the need.

Bally Bet is Back!

Bally’s has been one of the biggest names in American gambling for decades, but their initial foray into mobile sports betting failed. Many bettors found the platform far behind its rivals, prompting the operator to seek a partnership with gambling software giant Kambi. After a temporary closure of its platform, the sportsbook relaunched in September 2023 and resumed expansion.

The sportsbook added the Maryland and Massachusetts markets in 2024, but is now looking to continue its expansion two years later. 

Unlike other markets, Bally’s will have the chance to capture a massive amount of Rhode Island’s market share. Many bettors have complained about Sportsbook RI, and will be eager for another option from a well-known brand. 

Bally’s spokeswoman Patti Doyle wrote in a statement to NBC 10, “Bally’s is thrilled to have been awarded a second sports betting license by the State of Rhode Island,”  Bally’s spokeswoman Patti Doyle told NBC 10. “We appreciate the confidence and trust the State has placed in our ability to provide a best-in-class product - built for scalability, innovation, and the evolving demands of modern bettors - which will generate additional revenue to benefit the Rhode Island taxpayers.”