Bally’s Corporation is entering a new online casino market.
On Tuesday, the casino and entertainment company announced it will launch iGaming operations in Rhode Island, making the Ocean State the seventh jurisdiction in America to authorize online casinos. Bally’s has officially opened its iGaming platform in Rhode Island following a four-day trial period in which invited users were given early access.
Bally’s Casino in Rhode Island provides users with a slew of games, including traditional brick-and-mortar games and slots. The platform features approximately 170 slot and table games managed by live dealers. In July 2023, Bally’s secured a strategic partnership with live casino supplier Stakelogic to leverage its live dealer software and studio technology.
Last month, Stakelogic obtained a license to operate and provide its tech in Rhode Island. Bally’s will offer live dealers for its iGaming product at a new 4,0000-square-foot games studio. The facility is expected to create between 50 to 75 new employment opportunities.
Rhode Island joins New Jersey, Connecticut, Michigan, Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia as jurisdictions in the U.S. that have authorized iGaming in some capacity.
Favorable legislation for Bally’s
The Ocean State has emerged as a new iGaming market after Gov. Daniel McKee signed Senate Bill 948 into law in 2023. The measure, which sees iGaming regulated by the state lottery, provides Bally’s with exclusive rights to operate in Rhode Island through its Twin River and Twin River-Tiverton properties. It also makes IGT an official vendor of Bally’s.
“This is a wonderful example of how the Legislature and the private sector can work together to develop initiatives that enhance state revenues, which in turn, benefit our taxpayers,” said House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi. “I congratulate Bally’s and its Rhode Island leadership team on its successful launch of this online gaming program.
SB 948 requires Bally’s Casino users to be at least 21 and physically located in Rhode Island. Online slots are taxed at a 61% rate, while table games receive a 15% rate. IGT and the state will net 85% of slot revenue and 51.5% of table game revenue under SB 948.
Bally’s is also supporting responsible gaming through its debut in Rhode Island with at least $50,000 in funding for problem gambling prevention and at least $200,000 for treatment programs. Bally’s will also adhere to standards set by the American Gaming Association.
