Senate Bill 1017, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone, aims to keep jobs and gaming revenue within the state. At the same time, positioning Rhode Island as a hub for live streaming casino games.

However, a critical question remains: who can Rhode Island stream to?

Most iGaming States Require In-State Studios

Currently, most states that allow live dealer online casino games require the games to be streamed from studios located within their state borders. Those states include New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Connecticut.

That requirement aims to create local jobs while ensuring regulatory oversight. For example, Evolution operates studios in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and inside the Mohegan Sun casino in Connecticut.

The two states that do not require in-state studios are West Virginia and Delaware. The Mountain State streams from Pennsylvania, while Delaware streams from New Jersey.

As the two have already established relationships and existing setups, it’s unlikely that they seek new out-of-state partners.

Where Will Rhode Island Find Streaming Partners?

While Rhode Island can now stream live dealer games beyond state lines, it’s unknown whether Delaware or West Virginia casinos will be interested. If the state gets Evolution, the global leader in live dealer casino games, involved, there could be a better chance.

Evolution recently entered Rhode Island through a partnership with Bally Casino. However, that deal includes only slots, not live dealer games.

Still, if the partnership expands to live dealer games and the cost to stream is reduced compared to other setups, Rhode Island could successfully partner with Delaware or West Virginia online casinos.

It’s also important to note that the new law permits international streaming to markets where the law allows it. Unlike the US, many countries do not require casino game streaming to be within their borders.

However, entering these markets will require local licensing, partnerships, and compliance with each country’s gaming laws. Evolution’s global presence could simplify this expansion if it begins operating live dealer studios in Rhode Island.

Ciccone Also Attempted to Change RI’s Sports Betting Model

While Senator Ciccone’s effort to expand virtual gaming was successful, his separate proposal to reform Rhode Island’s sports betting system failed last month.

Earlier this year, the Senate Majority Leader introduced legislation to expand the current one-operator system to a multi-license system with up to five operators. That effort aligned with a Spectrum Gaming Group report that recommended Rhode Island expand to up to six operators.

The Senate passed Ciccone’s bill, SB 748, with a 30-3 vote in early June. However, once it reached the House, it never received a committee hearing.

The lack of action was unsurprising to many. In May, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi indicated that he won’t discuss market expansion in 2025. The House Speaker’s refusal is because the contract of IGT, the operator of Sportsbook Rhode Island, does not expire until next year.

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Evolution is now live with its online slots on Bally’s platform in Rhode Island, featuring titles from NetEnt, Red Tiger, and Big Time Gaming. This provides Bally Casino players with access to games already available in other regulated markets.

The deal also sees the company running live dealer Blackjack tables in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Evolution now has a live presence in all seven U.S. states where online casino games are currently legal: Rhode Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Delaware, and Connecticut.

In a press release, Jacob Claesson, CEO of Evolution North America, commented: “This agreement represents a significant step forward for both Evolution and Bally’s Corporation. 

“We’re thrilled to deepen our collaboration with Bally’s by delivering world-class gaming experiences and extend our reach into Rhode Island, a first for Evolution. This partnership showcases our shared commitment to driving innovation and providing exceptional entertainment for players.”

Evolution Joins Bally’s Exclusive Deal In Rhode Island 

Rhode Island granted Bally’s exclusive rights to operate iGaming in June 2023. Bally Casino initially partnered with Stakelogic to run its live casino games, which was seen as a cost-effective option. The deal with Bally’s marked Stakelogic’s first venture into the US casino space.

Bally Casino is limited to games that already exist in the state’s casinos, which include slots and live dealer table games. 

If the state wanted to introduce new games, a referendum would be required under its gambling laws.

Evolution has extensive experience in online casinos across global markets. A partnership with EveryMatrix, signed earlier this year, expanded the company’s presence in the US market. 

What Games Will the Deal Bring to Rhode Island?

While the new partnership won’t include Evolution’s live dealer games, the company’s slot subsidiaries, NetEnt, Red Tiger, and Big Time Gaming, produce some of the most popular slots across US online casinos. 

NetEnt produces two of the most frequented progressive jackpot slots, Divine Fortune and Mercy of the Gods. Another player favorite by the company is the Starburst slot. Other player favorites include: 

• Bloodsuckers
• Dead or Alive
• Fruit Shop
• Gonzo’s Quest
• Jungle Spirit
• Mega Fortune

Big Time Gaming is the creator of the super popular Megaways mechanic. The company does not produce all Megaways slots; instead, it licenses the name and mechanics to other studios, including other Evolution subsidiaries. 

While arguably not as famous as NetEnt, Red Tiger also creates many popular slots. Some examples include the 777 Strike, Astronaut, Cash Volt, Egypt Megaways, and Alexander the Great.

Red Tiger also supplies daily timed jackpots in some states, such as New Jersey, which could eventually be introduced to Rhode Island as well. 

While unconfirmed, other titles that could eventually come to Rhode Island include the edgy and urban-style slots by NoLimitCity. Additionally, Evolution has recently signed a deal with Hasbro for Monopoly-themed slots, which are set to release sometime next year. 

Evolution’s Content is Now Available in All iGaming States

The partnership with Bally’s in Rhode Island marks a significant milestone for Evolution in the US. The company’s content is now available in all seven US iGaming states: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. 

That means that Evolution’s content is available at over 50 online casino platforms across these states. 

With that, Evolution joins a small list of content providers that have achieved this milestone. IGT, which recently went through a significant restructuring, was the first. 

In March 2024, White Hat Gaming entered the state of Delaware, marking its seventh state. Notably, the company, which is significantly smaller than Evolution and IGT, has expanded rapidly in a relatively short time, having debuted in the US in 2022. 

Another content provider that has expanded to all seven states is Light and Wonder. 

Can Evolution Help the Underperforming Bally’s Casino in RI?

The addition of Evolution’s subsidiaries to Bally Casino’s game portfolio could give it a significant boost. The platform, the sole iGaming operator in the state, has struggled to meet initial revenue forecasts despite recent growth. 

Bally Casino generated $4.8 million in revenue in May, an impressive 113% year-over-year increase. Slots accounted for $3.7 million, a 129% yearly increase. 

While May was the second-highest revenue month (after March’s $5.1 million), Bally Casino has yet to catch up to initial forecasts. 

Before its March 2024 launch, Christiansen Capital Advisors (commissioned by the Rhode Island Department of Revenue) projected that the platform would generate $58.9 million in net revenue for 2024. However, Bally Casino generated under $22 million, less than half of the initial estimates. 

For the trailing year (July 24 – May 25), the platform generated $40.1 million. By comparison, Delaware’s single operator system has generated $77.5 million in the same period. 

Meanwhile, West Virginia, with a population less than twice that of Rhode Island’s, but with 10 platforms, saw $34.6 million in revenue for May alone.

The decision to limit online gambling to one single operator was the subject of debate among lawmakers in Rhode Island recently. 

IGT holds exclusivity in sports betting and has formed a partnership with Bally’s to supply and operate slots for the state’s casinos. 

A bill proposing to expand the gaming options received support in the Senate, which passed it with a 30-3 vote. However, it died in the House at the end of the legislative session in June. 

House Speaker Joe Shekarchi indicated that he was not interested in discussing the matter this year. Lawmakers are likely to revisit the topic in 2026 when the sports betting exclusive deal is up for review. 

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Senate Bill 748, sponsored by Sen. Frank Ciccone, proposed ending IGT’s exclusive contract and expanding the market to 3–5 sportsbooks as early as 2026.

The Senate passed Ciccone’s bill in early June with a 30-3 vote. However, once it reached the House, it never received a committee hearing. The legislative session ended on June 21, effectively killing the effort for the year.

House’s Rejection Is Not a Surprise

The bill’s failure in the House does not come as a surprise to many.

In May, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi stated that he’s not interested in discussing market expansion this year, as the IGT contract doesn’t expire until 2026. He told the Rhode Island Current:

“There is no need to adopt legislation this year because the state is under contract with the current vendor for another year.”

IGT and Lottery Opposed Expansion

The House’s lack of interest could also be attributed to opposition from IGT. The company claimed that bringing more operators to the state wouldn’t necessarily increase revenue for Rhode Island.

In a Senate testimony, IGT Senior VP Joe Bertolone stated that the Rhode Island model outperforms neighboring states with multi-license systems.

The Rhode Island Lottery, which oversees sports betting, also had some concerns. Director Mark Furcolo questioned whether invalidating the extension option for the IGT contract might violate state laws. He added that the lottery doesn’t have the capacity to manage five operators.

Still, Furcolo signaled a willingness to consider alternatives. Later, he informed the legislative committee overseeing the state’s gambling sector that the lottery intends to issue a request for information (RFI) in early 2026.

Market Expansion Aligned With a Spectrum Gaming Report

The Senate approval of the bill came on the heels of a Lottery-commissioned Spectrum Gaming Report.

The report recommended that Rhode Island award four to six mobile sportsbook licenses to align with other New England states. Still, it also highlighted that the state must lower its 51% tax to attract potential licensees effectively. Notably, Ciccone’s bill did not propose any tax adjustments.

In addition to the 51% tax on gross gaming revenue, the IGT-powered Sportsbook Rhode Island pays a 17% server hosting fee to Bally’s Corporation.

Rhode Island’s tax is the highest in the US, along with New York and New Hampshire. However, given that New York is the biggest market in the country, most top operators have agreed to pay that.

Meanwhile, New Hampshire negotiated the rate with DraftKings for a market monopoly. Additionally, the state offers DraftKings various tax breaks.

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In doing so, it has put an end to Rhode Island’s long-standing stance on the exemption for retail casinos and in-person gambling venues.

Senate Bill 0188, which still requires sign-off by Governor Dan McKee, comes after years of pressure from casino employees and public health campaigners.

The bill, pushed through by Democratic Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski, did include an amendment to permit enclosed, ventilated smoking lounges in casinos to accommodate patrons who smoke. 

It also pushed back the legislative implementation until July 1, 2027, in a considered compromise to minimize revenue losses as casino operators make the necessary modifications.

“Everyone deserves to breathe clean air in the workplace,” Sosnowski said, reinforcing the state’s duty to protect Rhode Island casino employees’ working conditions. 

Notably, Sosnowski’s original bill set about banning all indoor smoking outright, nevertheless, revisions were made following pushback from Bally’s Corporation.

Bally’s – which operates Twin River Lincoln Resort and Tiverton Casino & Sportsbook in Rhode Island – argued that a total smoking ban would deter clientele who smoke from visiting, which could dramatically impact its state revenues.

Does Rhode Island Reflect a Broader Shift In Consumer Preference?

Last week’s development in Rhode Island could open the door to other jurisdictions following suit as other states face similar dilemmas trying to balance casino health policies with revenue sustainability.

New Jersey has gone back-and-forth on a smoking ban, with two labor unions representing casino workers taking opposing stances. One believes that it’s important for workers health to have a smoke-free place of work, whereas the other fears job losses due to revenue decreases. 

Some analysts say there is a growing demand for smoke-free environments, which might actively encourage new patrons into casinos. 

This is a concept Royal Caribbean Cruises has already deployed, recently unveiling a new non-smoking casino floor, citing passenger feedback and a shift in consumer preferences.

Bally’s itself had already anticipated this trend, having announced an expansion to its non-smoking casino section at Twin River Lincoln early last year. 

However, the company stopped short of enforcing a full ban on smoking for fear of alienating its existing and new clientele base who smoked.

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While it was among the first states to approve sports betting in 2019, Rhode Island chose a one-operator model. Currently, gaming and lottery giant International Gaming Technology (IGT) runs Sportsbook Rhode Island. Its contract expires in 2026.

Senate Bill 748 (SB 748), sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone, would require the Rhode Island Lottery Commission not to renew IGT’s contract. It would also need to open invitations to potential applicants before IGT’s contract expires. The commission would also ensure all approved operators adhere to regulatory requirements.

The Senate’s 30-3 vote in favor of SB 748 comes on the heels of a Spectrum Gaming Group’s report. The report recommends that the state open the market to four to six sports betting operators.

SB 748 now moves to the House, which has until June 30 to vote on it.

IGT Opposes Rhode Island Bill, DraftKings Praises It

IGT rejects the notion that more operators will bring more revenue to the state. In a Senate testimony, IGT Senior VP, Joe Bertolone stated that the Rhode Island model outperforms neighboring states with multi-license systems.

He added: “This strong fiscal performance is not coincidental; it reflects the benefits of centralized operations, cohesive marketing and product development through committed in-state operating partners. … The data strongly suggests that maintaining the current model is the most prudent course of action to safeguard and grow state revenues.”

IGT noted that it was the only license candidate in 2019. It added that to attract more operators, the state must cut its 51% tax rate, which is among the highest in the country.

However, reducing the tax rate might result in more wagering, but it would not necessarily lead to more revenue for Rhode Island. That’s because the operators would take a higher cut of the handle. According to IGT, the state currently receives $17.44 per person, compared with $9.78 in multi-operator Connecticut.

In contrast, DraftKings believes opening up the market will bring a better experience to the players.

“A marketplace with multiple choices for players leads to a better player experience – operators are forced to innovate, while competing for business.”

According to DraftKings Senate testimony, Rhode Islanders spend $38 per adult resident on sports betting, which is one of the lowest in the country. For comparison, in Massachusetts, that number is nearly double.

Senate Bill 748 Doesn’t Address Key Concerns

Despite strong support in the Senate, SB 748 does not address one key issue: the tax rate. IGT and the Spectrum Gaming study also highlighted that.

The state taxes Sportsbook Rhode Island at 51%. That is tied for the highest rate in the country with New York and New Hampshire. Additionally, the sportsbook incurs a 17% server hosting fee to Bally’s Corporation.

While DraftKings supports SB 748, it’s unknown whether it would pursue a license with such a high rate. While it operates in New Hampshire, DraftKings holds a monopoly in the market.

Lottery Director Mark Furcolo raised another potential issue in a letter to the Senate Committee on Gaming and Labor in April. Furcolo claimed that SB 748 could violate regulators’ constitutional authority to renew gaming contracts. The Lottery Director also added concerns on whether expanding to five vendors is economically feasible.

However, it seems that Furcolo has come round to the idea of more licenses. Last month, he announced that he had informed the legislative committee overseeing the state’s gambling sector that the lottery intends to issue a request for information (RFI) in early 2026.

Still, the potential constitutional issue remains.

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While the state was among the first to legalize sports betting in 2019, it opted for a one-operator system, with Sportsbook Rhode Island serving as the sole platform. 

Gaming and lottery giant International Game Technology (IGT) currently runs Sportsbook Rhode Island on a contract until 2026.

Rhode Island One-Operator Sports Betting System Under Pressure

The spectrum report indicates that all other New England states have multiple sports betting skins. However, to attract operators like DraftKings and FanDuel, Rhode Island must lower its taxes.

The Ocean State, New Hampshire, and New York have the highest tax rate in the US at 51%. Additionally, Sportsbook Rhode Island pays a 17% server hosting fee to Bally’s Corporation. The high tax could have contributed to IGT being the only bidder in 2018.

The Rhode Island Lottery is starting to consider the recommendations. According to the Rhode Island Current, Director Mark Fucolo has informed the legislative committee overseeing the state’s gambling sector that the lottery intends to issue a request for information (RFI) in early 2026.

Lottery spokesperson Paul Grimaldi told the news outlet that the RFI is intended to determine whether there is interest and from which companies.

Lawmakers Push for Market Expansion in 2026

Given that the IGT contract expires late next year, some lawmakers, such as House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, are not interested in discussing it in 2025.

However, others, such as Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone and Rep. Matthew Dawson, are already working on the matter. Ciccone introduced SB 748 in the Senate, while Dawson introduced a companion bill in the House. The proposal calls for five sports betting platforms, which could launch on July 1, 2026.

If enacted, SB 748 would prohibit the Rhode Island Lottery Commission from renewing the IGT contract after July 1, 2026. 

The legislation would also require the commission to open invitations to potential license candidates before IGT’s contract expires. Moreover, it must ensure all licensed operators meet regulatory qualifications.

One big provision missing from SB 748 is the 51% tax rate, which, as Spectrum points out, might deter potential suitors.

The bill was reviewed at a hearing of the Senate Committee on Labor and Gaming (which Ciccone chairs) on April 30. Meanwhile, the House Committee on Finance reviewed Dawson’s bill on May 1. Both proposals were held for further study, a standard procedure.

Could Online Casino Reforms Follow?

In addition to the high tax, operators like DraftKings and FanDuel might show little interest in a Rhode Island sports betting license because it won’t give them access to iGaming.

Like sports betting, Rhode Island operates on a monopoly system for iGaming. The state legalized online casinos in 2023 and awarded Bally’s Corp. the only license. Bally Casino launched in March 2024.

If changes eventually come to sports betting in Rhode Island, questions could arise regarding iGaming. Such a proposal could generate interest as Bally Casino has underperformed since its launch.

After a slow start, the online casino never caught on to match forecasts. For 2024, Bally Casino generated under $22 million in net revenue. For comparison, the initial estimates by Christiansen Capital Advisors, commissioned by the Rhode Island Department of Revenue, were $58.9 million, more than double the actual number.

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As a result, IGT PlayDigital content is now live across all seven jurisdictions which have launched igaming in the US.

“Bally Casino is pleased to make IGT PlayDigital’s legendary game portfolio available to our players from the first day of online gaming in Rhode Island,” noted Craig Eaton, Bally’s Rhode Island Operations President. 

“We’ve created a top-tier player experience at Bally Casino that gives players the convenient opportunity to experience many of their favourite IGT slots such as Cleopatra, Cats and Wolf Run at any time and from any location inside Rhode Island.”

Earlier this week, IGT reported its financial results, declaring a 10 per cent improvement across the full year 2023 for its PlayDigital segment to $228m (2022: $209m) fuelled by igaming growth in several regions.

The company’s overall revenue grew by two per cent – or seven per cent when taking into account the net of the Italy commercial services sale – to $4.3bn (2022: $4.2bn). Global Lottery generated 59 per cent of the revenue, followed by Global Gaming (36 per cent) and PlayDigital (five per cent).

IGT also recently announced that its Global Gaming and PlayDigital businesses will be merging with Everi Holdings to “create a global leader in gaming equipment, fintech services and casino systems”.

Ahead of this upcoming merger, expected to be completed in late 2024 or early 2025, IGT will be merging its Global Gaming and PlayDigital segments – Gaming & Digital – for the reporting periods of Q1 2024 onwards.

“IGT PlayDigital is thrilled to extend the reach of our market-leading games and promotional tools portfolio to players in Rhode Island via our strategic partnership with Bally’s Corporation,” commented Gil Rotem, IGT President of iGaming. 

“As a long-time lottery and gaming supplier in Rhode Island, IGT is deeply committed to propelling the success of igaming in the State and delivering highly entertaining games such as Cash Eruption and Fortune Coin that are proven to drive player engagement.”

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As a result of the deal, Rhode Island Bally’s players will be able to benefit from online casino products powered by White Hat Gaming’s PAM.

Phil Gelvan, CEO at White Hat Gaming, said: “We’re thrilled to reinforce our strong partnership with Bally’s by taking our industry-leading PAM live in Rhode Island for Bally Casino. This launch cements our position as Bally’s platform provider of choice across the US.

“Our unique combination of rapid integration capabilities, player-centric wallet technology, turnkey services and proven content continues to underpin Bally’s success across states and their ambitious growth plans for the future.”

The PAM has enabled the rapid deployment of several major content integrations as it seeks to cater to ‘the most demanding requirements’ of operators US and globally. 

White Hat’s PAM includes a suite of services looking to boost operator success, including CRM and marketing support, a proprietary cashier, diverse payment options, 24/7 managed services, and a wide array of player protection tools. 

Robeson Reeves, CEO at Bally’s, added on the deal: “Bally’s is committed to delivering best-in-class sports betting and igaming products that thrill and captivate our players. We value innovation, service and reliability in our partners, and White Hat Gaming consistently delivers across all three.

“The rapid integration of their feature-rich PAM and player-favourite content exemplifies why they have become a key partner across our national footprint. Together, we will continue rolling out market-leading entertainment products that position Bally’s as the preeminent omni-channel gaming provider in the US.”

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Available on desktop and iOS, Bally’s went live in the state on March 5 following a four-day technical trial period that began on March 1. 

Craig Eaton, President of Bally’s Rhode Island Operations, stated: “We are pleased to launch this new gaming product which is borne out of our partnership with the General Assembly, Governor McKee and our regulators, the RI Department of Revenue, Division of Lottery, Department of Business Regulation and RI State Police to enhance state revenue and better position the State’s casinos in the competitive New England gaming market.

“As with all gaming operations, the state will retain complete regulatory control of igaming, with nearly 62 per cent of the slot revenue and 15 per cent of the table game revenue directed to the state.” 

Bally’s is also utilising its partnership with Stakelogic, providing its live dealer and table games software and studio technology in the state. Initially, approximately 170 slot games will be offered, including digital alternatives to popular retail casino games, 

In addition, the operator will have live dealer blackjack and roulette table games in operation from its 4,000 square foot live dealer table games studio at the Bally’s Twin River Lincoln casino, creating 50 to 75 full and part-time jobs.

Responsible gaming tools will also be available to players on Bally’s online casino platform, including deposit limits, session limits, spend/wager limits, cool-off/time out and self-exclusion.

Bally’s is required to provide at least $50,000 in funding for problem gambling prevention and at least $200,000 to fund gambling treatment programs. It is also committed to the American Gaming Association’s code of conduct rollout as a minimum standard.

Rhode Island is the seventh state in the US to offer igaming, joining New Jersey, Connecticut, Michigan, Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Customers must be at least 21 years old to play and physically located in the state.

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Following previous entries in Michigan and Pennsylvania, Stakelogic has accessed another corner of the US igaming market as it plans to use the Rhode Island licence to make “a positive impact on the local gaming scene.”

Stephan van den Oetelaar, CEO of Stakelogic, explained: “Gaining the Rhode Island licence is a significant achievement in our ongoing US market journey. Our team is excited to introduce our content and technology in Rhode Island.”

Now, through the provisional licence, operators in Rhode Island could soon partner with Stakelogic and host the studio’s slot releases on their online casino platforms facing the New England state. 

Adding further comment on the move, van den Oetelaar stated: “This expansion is a testament to our commitment to excellence and our strategy to be at the forefront of the online casino industry in North America. We are grateful to the Rhode Island regulators for their trust and cooperation and look forward to making a positive impact on the local gaming scene.”

The Rhode Island licence sees Stakelogic continue to enhance the visibility of its slot releases across North America, coming shortly after the firm gained growth in Ontario via SkillOnNet.

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