Rhode Island Bill to End IGT Betting Monopoly Paused for Study
Rhode Island’s House Bill 6048, aimed at ending IGT’s sports betting monopoly, was held for further study by the House Finance Committee on May 1, 2025.
A Push to Break the Monopoly
Rhode Island’s lawmakers are eyeing a shake-up of the state’s sports betting scene, but a key bill to bust up International Game Technology’s monopoly hit a speed bump.
House Bill 6048, introduced on March 7, 2025, would stop renewing IGT’s exclusive deal after July 1, 2026, and open the market to at least five new operators.
The House Finance Committee heard the bill on May 1 but opted to hold it for further study, a common move signaling they need more time to chew on the details before pushing forward.
The bill’s big play is to ditch the single-provider model, where IGT runs the show via Sportsbook Rhode Island, often slammed as clunky by bettors.
By mandating an open call for proposals and awarding multiple contracts, H6048 aims to let heavyweights like DraftKings or FanDuel jump in, boosting competition, improving user experience, and potentially juicing state tax revenue from Rhode Island’s hefty 51% sports betting tax rate.
What the Bill Does
H6048 gives the state’s lottery division director beefed-up powers to set detailed rules for sports betting, covering everything from how bets are placed to payout processes and online platform security.
The bill lays out standards for betting events, odds, and anti-fraud measures, plus stricter checks to block anyone under 18 from playing. It also pushes responsible gambling programs to tackle addiction risks.
For physical betting spots, like Twin River casinos, the bill demands tighter oversight: real-time monitoring systems, clear payout info for players, secure cash-handling rooms, and dedicated spaces for state regulators and police to keep tabs on things.
These tweaks aim to make betting smoother, safer, and more transparent, whether online or in-person, while setting the stage for a competitive market post-2026.
Why It’s Stalled
The “held for further study” tag shows that lawmakers are still wrestling with risks like problem gambling and the impact on state revenue if new operators flood in.
With only a month left in the 2025 session, ending in June, big moves before 2026 are unlikely unless the committee fast-tracks it.
As for now, H6048’s on ice, with the House Finance Committee digging deeper. It could resurface in 2026 with revisions or stall out if concerns like addiction or operator vetting linger.
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