Online sports betting in Rhode Island has operated under a single-app system since its launch in 2019, but state officials are preparing to modestly expand that framework. The Rhode Island Lottery has issued a request for qualifications that could result in one additional online sportsbook joining the market in late 2026.
The 55-page solicitation, released Dec. 2, outlines plans to award a five-year contract to a company able to “provide competitive sports wagering products and services” in the state. Responses are due by noon on Feb. 19, with the Lottery targeting a November 2026 contract award.
Currently, all online sports wagers in Rhode Island flow through Sportsbook RI, operated by International Game Technology. While the app maintains strong average ratings on Apple’s App Store and Google Play, user feedback has included frequent complaints about payouts and customer service.
One Google Play reviewer wrote in August 2025, “Every time I win a PGA wager I have to call on Monday to try to collect my money. It usually takes two days of calling for them to grade the wager.” The same user added, “They are lucky we only have one sportbook in RI or they would go out of business.”
Another user wrote, “I hate this app, customer service apologizes and says that they are expediting my case, but I never get a response from a supervisor, I don’t even think they have supervisors, because I’ve never spoken to one!”
Lottery Favors Evaluation Over Rapid Expansion
Despite pressure to open the market further, Lottery officials are limiting the next step to a single new operator. Paul Grimaldi said the agency wants time to assess the impact of adding another platform.
“The intention is to seek one new app vendor (in addition to SportsbookRI) to begin offering online sports betting after November 2026,” he said. “There would be an evaluation period, of unspecified length at the moment, to decide how well the new app is working, being accepted by bettors, and whether it’s adding to the state’s online sports betting revenue.”
That plan differs from a May 1 report by Spectrum Gaming Group, which recommended licensing four to six additional vendors to remain competitive with nearby states.
Revenue Trends And Ongoing IGT Role
Revenue performance has also raised concerns. An October 2025 report from the Office of the Auditor General showed sports betting revenue fell 3.2% in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, generating $18.6 million for the state, down from $19.2 million the year before.
IGT will remain part of the market regardless of the new vendor. While some lawmakers believed its contract ended in 2026, the company confirmed an extension through 2028.
“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, senior vice president of IGT Sports Betting.
Source:
“Despite calls for up to six more sports betting apps, Rhode Island Lottery looks to add only one”, rhodeislandcurrent.com, January 7, 2026
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