Rhode Island saw a 7.2% decrease in bets placed in September compared to the previous year, yet managed to generate 8.8% more revenue, thanks to an increase in the book’s hold from 7.34% to 8.60%.

Notably, a new online sportsbook will not be operational until November 26. During September 2026, the state’s sportsbooks recorded $36,087,136 in wagers, a 7.17% decline from September 2025, but revenue rose to $3,102,469, reflecting an 8.77% increase.

The state’s share amounted to $1,582,259, marking a month where profit margins rather than bet volume were key, especially given the market has only had one app since 2019. In comparison to August, the changes were even more pronounced, with a 39.15% increase in handle from $25,934,587 and a staggering 116.45% surge in revenue from $1,433,445. The hold rate rose to 8.60% from 5.53%.

However, September 2026 did not break previous records, as September 2025 saw higher betting totals. Online betting represented the bulk of this month’s activity, accounting for $29,826,633 or 82.65% of the total handle, while the two retail locations at Bally’s Lincoln and Bally’s Tiverton took in $6,260,503.

It’s important to note that Rhode Island does not impose taxes on its sportsbook. Instead, the state’s revenue is divided statutorily: 51% goes to the state, 32% to the online vendor, and 17% to the physical sportsbook at Bally’s Lincoln.

This distribution has remained consistent across all recorded months, including this one, where the $1,582,259 received by the state represents 51.00% of the total revenue.

Currently, there are two proposals from Representative Matthew Dawson and Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone aimed at increasing the vendors’ share from 32% to approximately 79%. Under these proposals, the state allocation would remain at 51% but would drop to 12% once the state collects $18.6 million, the amount returned from sports wagering in FY2025. Ciccone has publicly expressed skepticism about the chances of these bills advancing in 2026, and neither has yet become law.