The Rhode Island Lottery has taken decisive action against unlicensed gambling operators, joining a growing number of U.S. regulators aiming to curb the spread of unauthorized gaming platforms.
State Police Investigate Unauthorized Operators
Following a request from the Rhode Island Department of Revenue, the Rhode Island State Police launched an investigation into gambling sites operating without state approval. The department, which oversees the Rhode Island Lottery, initiated the probe after the lottery issued cease and desist orders to six online operators.
“Based on the information collected by the [State Police Gambling Enforcement Unit,] several companies were identified as engaging in the business of operating unauthorized and unlicensed casino gaming products in the state,” said Rhode Island Revenue Director Thomas Verdi. “These identified gambling companies continue to operate in this jurisdiction, offering and allowing gambling activity to players in Rhode Island despite the cease and desist notices.”
The six sites targeted by the state lottery include:
- BetOnline
- BetUS
- Bovada
- MyBookie
- WildCasino
- YouWager
Rhode Island’s Regulated Gaming Environment
Rhode Island currently hosts a single exclusive online sports betting operator. The state offers digital sports wagering via Sportsbook Rhode Island, which is operated by IGT under a license from the state lottery. IGT also serves as the state’s sole supplier of retail and online lottery and video lottery services, following a 20-year agreement signed in 2022.
Lawmakers previously explored an open-market approach to sports betting with Senate Bill 748, which aimed to require Rhode Island to host at least five sportsbooks. Although it passed the Senate, the bill did not advance in the House.
In addition to sports betting, Rhode Island became the seventh U.S. jurisdiction to authorize regulated online casino gaming in 2024. Bally’s Corporation holds exclusive iGaming rights, operating through its Twin River and Twin River-Tiverton properties, after Gov. Daniel McKee signed Senate Bill 948 into law. This legislation also formally recognizes IGT as a vendor for Bally’s digital operations.
History of C&D Orders Against These Operators
Some of the gambling sites targeted in Rhode Island have faced similar enforcement actions in other states. Earlier this year, BetOnline received cease and desist letters from the Michigan Gaming Control Board and the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council, with Tennessee regulators also issuing fines to MyBookie and Bovada.
MyBookie and BetUS were ordered to exit Arizona in April by the state’s Department of Gaming. Bovada previously received C&D notices from Louisiana in 2024 and multiple electronic and mail notices in Mississippi. Most recently, the Washington State Gambling Commission issued a cease and desist to Bovada last month, following an initial notice sent in January. Florida regulators have also taken enforcement actions against BetUS, Bovada, and MyBookie.
There is no comment as of yet on the ongoing investigation, but Rhode Island Lottery and the Rhode Island State Police will put out updates as the story progresses.
Source:
“Rhode Island Lottery sends C&D orders to six unlicensed sites”, sbcamericas.com, October 16, 2025
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