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Rhode Island is intensifying its enforcement efforts against illegal online gambling operators, launching investigations and issuing cease-and-desist letters to some of the most prominent offshore sportsbooks.
According to The Providence Journal, Attorney General Peter Neronha ordered an investigation into unlicensed online gambling platforms following a request from the state’s Department of Revenue. Earlier this summer, the Rhode Island Lottery — which falls under the department’s oversight — sent six cease-and-desist notices to offshore operators including BetUS, BetOnline, Bovada, MyBookie, WildCasino, and YouWager.
Enforcement Push Coincides with Market Review
The crackdown comes as Rhode Island considers opening its tightly controlled sports betting market to more competition. Currently, International Game Technology (IGT) holds the state’s sole operating license, managing the Sportsbook RI app under an exclusive contract with the lottery.
However, regulators are exploring potential changes. Earlier this year, the lottery launched a Request for Information (RFI) to gauge interest from other companies. Eight major operators — Bally’s, BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, IGT, Kambi, and OpenBet — responded before the August 22 deadline.
Bally’s, headquartered in Providence and already running two casinos in the state, began offering online casino gaming in 2024.
A Senate-approved bill to end IGT’s monopoly passed 30–3 earlier this year but stalled in the House. The proposal follows a Spectrum Gaming Group study recommending that Rhode Island allow at least three operators to boost competition and state revenues.
“With legalized sports betting flourishing across the country, there is ample evidence on how this new industry works best for consumers and the state,” said Senator Frank Ciccone, who sponsored the bill. “Having only one company exclusively operate is not in the best interests of consumers or from a revenue-generating standpoint.”
Part of a Broader National Crackdown
Rhode Island’s actions mirror a growing national effort to curb illegal gambling. State regulators across the U.S. have issued hundreds of cease-and-desist orders targeting offshore sportsbooks and unregulated sweepstakes operators.
In Michigan alone, the Gaming Control Board has sent over 100 such letters to illegal entities. Executive Director Henry Williams emphasized the importance of enforcement in protecting consumers, stating: “Shutting down these unlicensed platforms is critical not only to maintaining the integrity of Michigan’s regulated gaming industry — it also helps to protect residents from predatory practices and unreliable gambling experiences.”
Elsewhere, California and several other states have enacted bans on dual-currency sweepstakes operators, while Louisiana’s gaming board has sent 40 cease-and-desist letters following a vetoed bill that sought to codify enforcement powers.
As Rhode Island moves toward a potential expansion of its regulated market, its simultaneous push against offshore gambling underscores a key objective: ensuring that all betting activity within the state remains safe, transparent, and fully compliant with the law.
Source: iGaming Business
