Rhode Island iGaming Hits Record as May Betting Handle Climbs 14%

Rhode Island's combined sports betting and iGaming handle rose 14% year-on-year to $187.4 million in May, with record online slot activity offsetting another month of softer sports betting performance.

The latest figures highlight the continued strength of the state's online casino market, where player demand drove total iGaming handle to $155.8 million, up 21% compared with May 2025.

Online slots reach new monthly high

Online slots were the standout performer, generating a record $111.5 million in wagers during May, representing a 35%increase year-on-year.

By contrast, online table games recorded a more subdued month, with wagering falling 5% to $44.3 million.

Despite the decline in table game activity, the strength of online slots ensured Rhode Island's iGaming sector continued its upward trajectory, underlining the growing importance of digital casino gaming to the state's regulated gambling market.

Sports betting continues to soften

Sports betting moved in the opposite direction, with total handle falling 11% year-on-year to $31.6 million.

Online sportsbooks accounted for $27.0 million in wagers, down 9%, while retail betting at Rhode Island's two casinos bucked the wider trend, rising 5% to $4.6 million.

Gross gaming revenue from sports betting totalled $2.3 million, with online sportsbooks contributing $2.14 million and retail sportsbooks generating just over $184,000.

Revenue driven by iGaming growth

Combined revenue from sports betting and iGaming increased 9% year-on-year to $8.9 million.

The state's online casino market continued to deliver record returns, with iGaming revenue climbing 36% to an all-time monthly high of $6.57 million.

Sports betting revenue, however, fell 30% to $2.3 million, reflecting lower betting volumes and less favourable operator margins during the month.

Online sports betting revenue declined 23%, while retail sportsbook revenue dropped 65% compared with May 2025.

Pressure grows for sports betting reform

The latest figures arrive as Rhode Island continues to examine the future of its sports betting market.

The state currently operates a monopoly model, although policymakers are considering proposals to introduce additional sportsbook licences to increase competition and stimulate growth.

While iGaming continues to set new records, May's results reinforce the contrasting fortunes of Rhode Island's two online gambling verticals, with digital casino gaming increasingly driving market performance as sports betting remains under pressure.