Rhode Island Senate prepares to vote on sports betting expansion and underage gambling penalties

The Rhode Island Senate is set to vote on two key bills that could expand the state’s sports betting industry by allowing new vendors and imposing stricter penalties for underage online gambling violations.

Efforts to End IGT’s Sports Betting Monopoly

Since 2023, International Game Technology (IGT) PLC has held exclusive rights to operate Rhode Island’s digital sportsbook. Lawmakers now seek to end this monopoly, enabling the Rhode Island Lottery to consider additional vendors when IGT’s contract expires in November 2026.

This shift would open the door for competitors like DraftKings and FanDuel to offer wagers for the first time since sports betting was legalized in 2018.

New Vendor Contracts Under Ciccone’s Amended Bill

Under Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone’s revised bill, the Lottery would award a minimum of two and a maximum of five vendor contracts—a change from the original proposal, which required at least five contracts.

“It’s a way of cleaning it up,” Ciccone stated in an interview, emphasizing that the Lottery has always explored multiple vendor options.

Market Competitiveness and Expansion Plans

A Lottery-commissioned report by Spectrum Gaming Group released on May 1 recommended four to six new online betting vendors to stay competitive with neighboring states. Massachusetts currently has seven vendors, while Connecticut allows three.

The Lottery plans to issue a request for information on expansion in early 2026.

Legislative Backing and Senate Floor Vote

The late Senate President Dominick Ruggerio initially requested the proposal due to dissatisfaction with the Sportsbook RI app, and it now has the support of new Senate President Valarie Lawson.

“She believes the sports betting bill has merit,” said Senate spokesperson Greg Paré.

On Monday, the Senate Committee on Labor and Gaming unanimously recommended the bill (7-0). The full Senate vote is scheduled for Wednesday.

While the House version of the bill, sponsored by Rep. Matthew Dawson, remains under further study, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi has questioned its necessity since IGT’s contract remains in effect until late 2026.

However, Shekarchi stated Monday that he will review the bill’s language following the Senate vote.

Stronger Penalties for Underage Online Gambling

A separate bill by Ciccone proposes up to one year in prison and a $1,000 fine for anyone who allows individuals under 21 to gamble online through Bally’s Corp’s mobile casino.

The measure was requested by the Rhode Island State Police to enforce age restrictions introduced when the state legalized online gaming in 2023.

House Debate Over Underage Gambling Penalties

The House Judiciary Committee voted 10-5 in favor of the companion bill introduced by Rep. Gregory Costantino, but concerns remain about criminal penalties for 18-to-20-year-olds, who are legally allowed to gamble in Rhode Island’s two physical casinos.

At present, the House has not scheduled a vote on Costantino’s bill.