International Game Technology will remain the provider of retail and mobile sports betting in Rhode Island after the state lottery approved a contract extension that keeps the existing arrangement in place through at least November 2028. The agreement continues IGT’s role as the technology supplier for the state’s sole authorized sports wagering platform.
The two-year extension was announced Jan. 7 and signed between IGT and the Rhode Island Lottery. Under the deal, IGT PlaySports technology will continue supporting statewide sports betting, covering both online wagering and in-person sportsbook locations.
“IGT is very pleased to continue our long-term relationship with the Rhode Island Lottery through 2028 and help generate important revenue for the State through its sports betting operations powered by PlaySports technology,” said Joe Bertolone, IGT SVP Sports Betting. “IGT PlaySports continues to invest in the Sportsbook Rhode Island app to ensure the Lottery is offering a premier betting product that makes a positive impact on the State’s commitments to good causes.”
Partnership Continues Amid Policy Debate
IGT PlaySports, Caesars Sportsbook and the Rhode Island Lottery have collaborated on sports wagering since 2018. Sportsbook Rhode Island has operated as the state’s exclusive online betting platform since 2019. In addition, IGT supplies the lottery with retail and online lottery services under a separate agreement.
The renewal follows an unsuccessful legislative effort in 2025 to restructure Rhode Island’s sports betting market. The state currently operates under a single-operator model that excludes major mobile sportsbooks such as FanDuel and DraftKings, while Caesars offers limited retail wagering options. Rhode Island also entered the online casino market in 2024, selecting Bally’s Corporation as the exclusive provider.
Expansion Bill Fails To Advance
Lawmakers last year proposed ending IGT’s exclusivity and opening the market to multiple sportsbook operators. An amended bill passed the Senate, reducing the minimum number of licenses from five to three and calling for a competitive bidding process.
IGT and lottery officials opposed the change, pointing to the state’s effective 51 percent tax rate on sports betting revenue. They argued that the current structure generates stronger returns than many multi-operator markets.
“The data strongly suggests that maintaining the current model is the most prudent course of action to safeguard and grow state revenues,” Bertolone wrote in Senate testimony. Lottery Director Mark Furcolo also supported keeping the existing framework if it continued to benefit the state.
The bill did not advance in the House, allowing the current system to remain in place and clearing the way for the contract extension.
Additional Sportsbook Still Under Consideration
Despite the renewal, state officials have indicated plans to introduce another online sportsbook after November 2026. According to the Rhode Island Current, the lottery is accepting bids through Feb. 19.
Lottery spokesperson Paul Grimaldi said a new operator could begin offering online sports betting once the current period concludes. Companies reported to be exploring the opportunity include Bally’s, BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, Kambi and OpenBet.
Source:
“IGT PlaySports Technology to Continue Powering Retail and Mobile Sports Betting in Rhode Island Through 2028”, igt.com. January 7, 2026
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