(AsiaGameHub) –   Rhode Island has awarded Bally’s the state’s second online sports betting license, prevailing over the leading contender, Rush Street Interactive and its BetRivers brand, in a competitive state-run bidding process.

The Rhode Island Lottery has selected Bally’s to serve as the second online sports betting operator, joining Sportsbook Rhode Island, which has been operated by International Game Technology for nearly four years.

Bally’s plans to introduce its new online sportsbook in November 2021, coinciding with the expiration of IGT’s exclusive online sports betting contract with the Lottery. Although final agreements are still being finalized, Bally’s foresees obtaining a contract for a minimum term of five years, with possibilities for extensions.

Bally’s already operates two casinos in Rhode Island, each featuring a retail sportsbook, and aims to provide a top-tier online platform by emphasizing innovation, flexibility, and sustainable market expansion.

This recent success in Rhode Island aligns with Bally’s strategy to bolster its footprint in both the physical and digital gaming and sports betting sectors.