Six Online Sportsbooks Ordered to Stop in Rhode Island

Rhode Island officials have taken a hard stance against unlicensed online gambling, sending cease-and-desist letters to six offshore operators accused of offering sports betting to local players without state authorization.

Good to Know

• The Rhode Island Lottery regulates online wagering through the state Department of Revenue.
• Only one legal mobile sportsbook, powered by International Game Technology (IGT), is allowed to operate in the state.
• The enforcement action follows growing concern over the expansion of offshore and prediction-style betting platforms across the US.

The Rhode Island Lottery confirmed that the letters were issued to BetUS, BetOnline, MyBookie, WildCasino, YouWager, and Bovada — all platforms that provide traditional online sports betting. None of them currently run prediction markets, but they are accused of violating state laws by accepting wagers from Rhode Island residents.

Statewide Crackdown on Unauthorized Platforms

The cease-and-desist campaign followed a request from the Department of Revenue and a formal investigation by the Rhode Island State Police, authorized by Attorney General Peter Neronha. The move comes as regulators nationwide watch closely how unlicensed gambling operators, and newer prediction-style products, are spreading through digital channels.

Officials emphasized that state law allows only one mobile betting platform to operate — the sportsbook managed by IGT. Under its agreement with Rhode Island, IGT splits revenue with the state on a 50-50 basis, and that contract remains active until November 2026.