International Game Technology and Las Vegas-based bookmaking firm William Hill have joined forces to operate sportsbetting for the Rhode Island Lottery at the Twin River and Tiverton Casinos beginning in November.
The arrangement between the companies and the Rhode Island Department of Revenue, was announced in a joint press is for five years, which could be extended. Rhode Island is one of six states to offer sportsbook, although only Delaware, New Jersey and Mississippi are in a position to take bets.
The two companies will be “end-to-end” sports betting operators. IGT will provide the platform and Will Hill the risk management services. IGT already operates the state’s lottery system.
Lottery spokesman Paul Grimaldi commented previously: “We would have preferred more bidders,” adding, “Eighteen companies expressed an interest in the RFP. We’re not going to speculate as to why more bids weren’t submitted.”
Under the state-controlled system, casino employees will take the bets with IGT and William Hill operating the betting platform and setting odds. The state will collect 51 percent of the sports betting revenue. The casinos will get 17 percent and the vendor 32 percent.
