Rhode Island's state Senate isn't about to sit idly by as the House tries to break up the Ocean State's sports gambling monopoly with bill HB 6048; it's introduced its own bill to do the same with bill SB 748.
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The state's sports gambling industry has been under a monopoly since Rhode Island legalized sports betting back in 2018. Sportsbet RI, Rhode Island's lone sportsbook is run by International Game Technology (IGT).
What Is Bill SB 748?
The Democrat-led bill was first introduced in the Senate back on March 7, 2025, but was held back for further study. On June 2, the bill was placed on the Senate calendar.
Bill SB 748 makes a single change to the state's Video Lottery Games, Table Games and Sports Wagering law; any sports-wagering vendor contracts would not be renewed past July 1, 2026, and directs the Rhode Island Lottery to open invitations for at least five sports-wagering vendor contracts.
That simple change will dramatically alter an otherwise sputtering sports gambling industry.
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Hated Monopoly
SB 748's sponsor, Frank Ciccone, Rhode Island's Lottery was always looking to bring in more options for bettors, and this law is "a way of cleaning it up" to make that change possible.
Ciccone, who is the Senate's Majority Leader, saw a lot of for dismantling the state's monopoly. The long-time Senator, who's been in office since 2003, said former Senator President Dominick Ruggerio "hated" Sportsbook RI's app, and current Senate President Valarie Lawson believes the bill "has merit".
Reviews of Sportsbook RI's app aren't any better when you step outside of the legislature. The three top comments on Apple's App Store are titled: "Outdated app, fraudulent state", "Worst Sportsbook Ever", and "Do more with this app". Ouch.
The Senate's Committee on Labor and Gaming voted 7-0 to recommend the bill to the full Senate, which will vote on the bill this Wednesday.
Falling Returns
The change is being proposed not just because a Senate President hates the app and a few poor reviews online, but because state coffers are bringing in fewer tax revenues.
Through the first three months of 2025, Rhode Island took in $5.25 million in tax revenue. That's down six percent year-over-year and 19% since 2023.
Rhode Island's poor app and lack of choice are not inviting gamblers to wager. While other jurisdictions, such as Delaware, which is smaller and has a similar sports climate and tax rate, have seen a 5% growth in tax revenues from 2023 to 2025. Change is needed in Rhode Island.
