Rhode Island Senate Passes Bill to Expand Sports Betting Market

Michael Savio
By: Michael Savio
06/06/2025
Sports Betting
PA Uploader, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Photo by PA Uploader, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Key Takeaways

  • SB 742 would allow for two to five additional online sportsbooks
  • The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 30-2
  • IGT’s contract with the state runs until the end of 2026

Rhode Island lawmakers are looking to ratchet up the state’s sports betting market.

The state Senate has approved Senate Bill 748 by a vote of 30-2 earlier this week. The proposal would open up Rhode Island’s sports betting market by allowing for the creation of between two and five additional operator licenses. The bill will now head to the House for review.

Rhode Island’s legislative session ends on June 30.

Report Shows Potential for Growth

A report from Spectrum Gaming Group (SGG) is driving the proposal to expand sports betting in Rhode Island. The state lottery commissioned the report and shared its findings. It showed that the state’s market was underperforming due to having just one operator. If the market wants to compete with the rest of the regions, SGG recommends that the state add between two and four online sportsbooks.

Currently, the state is partnered with International Game Technology to operate Sportsbook Rhode Island. This is the only legal sports betting platform available in the state, and it has been posting underwhelming numbers. 

Hurdles in the House Remain

While the Senate overwhelmingly approved SB 748, passing the House will be a far bigger challenge.

House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi has gone on the record to speak out against previous attempts to expand the market. He isn’t opposed to the idea itself, but believes the conversation isn’t worth having now due to the state’s contract with IGT. That deal won’t expire until late 2026 and contains language to prevent expansion before then.

With just over three weeks remaining before House lawmakers go home, SB 748’s chances of passing this year seem slim.

Debate Over Underage Gambling Continues

In addition to SB 748, the Senate is also reviewing a bill that would increase penalties for underage gambling. It would update the law so that those convicted would face up to one year in prison and a $1,000 fine. The goal is to continue to protect young bettors from being exposed to problem gambling.

While the bill has gained some momentum, several key lawmakers in both chambers have spoken out against the idea. They have pointed out that the retail gambling age is set at 18, but the online age is 21. This could lead to bettors between the ages of 18 and 20 being criminally convicted without even realizing they were breaking the law.

Michael Savio covers the US online casino industry, giving readers insights and information they won’t find anywhere else. He has followed the retail industry since his time living in Las Vegas and has continued to do so as the online industry has taken off. Michael covers everything from online casino reviews to industry news, making him one of the most trusted insiders in the business. Check out Michael’s latest articles at casinos.com to see what he has to offer!