Bally’s Corporation Brings Stakelogic to Rhode Island Online Casino Plans

Article ByDavid Weir

July 13, 2023

Spread the Word:

Posted in: Rhode Island Gambling News, US Casino News

Bally’s Corporation, one the leading casino operators in the U.S., is preparing to launch an online casino next year in its home state of Rhode Island.

With that aim in mind, it has announced a new deal with European game developer Stakelogic, a prominent live casino supplier.

Bally’s is in somewhat of a unique position in Rhode Island, compared to other U.S. online casino markets. It, along with UK-based International Game Technology, is one of only two gambling licensees in the state.

It already operates two casinos in Rhode Island, including Bally’s Twin River Lincoln (pictured), located in the same town as its company headquarters.

When online casinos launch in the state in 2024 after a legalization bill passed earlier this year, Bally’s and IGT will have a monopoly on the market.

Another quirk of Rhode Island’s legalization framework is that virtual casino table games remain illegal.

When it launches, the Bally’s casino app will only offer live dealer versions of traditional casino table games, like blackjack and roulette. Enter Stakelogic, who are a well-known global provider of such games.

“We are thrilled to partner with Stakelogic to bring our live casino operations online in Rhode Island,” Robeson Reeves, CEO of Bally’s Corporation, said in a joint press release from the two companies.

Strategic Partnership with Stakelogic

The partnership comes on the heels of Rhode Island’s recent entry into the U.S. iGaming market.

The state legalized online casinos last month, making it the seventh U.S. state to do so, and the only one so far in 2023.

This development has expanded Bally’s role as the sole active casino operator in the state to include online casino gaming.

“With a partner like Stakelogic, we know we are putting our best foot forward, and we are confident that we will be able to provide our Rhode Island customers with a truly exciting live dealer experience,” Reeves said.

Stakelogic, known for its live dealer games and a portfolio of more than 250 online slots, will provide Bally’s with its software and studio technology.

The company operates in more than 20 markets, and is based in Eindhoven, Netherlands, where it has a live dealer studio. It employs 150 people across several European studios, including another on the Mediterranean island of Malta.

“We are very excited about our partnership with Bally’s, as it will finally enable Stakelogic to bring its technology to the U.S,” said Stephan van den Oetelaar, Stakelogic CEO, in the official press release.

 “It will also enable us to build on our tremendous growth since launching live casino 14 months ago, positioning Stakelogic as a leading technology company in the iGaming industry.”

Rules and Regulations

Bally’s intends to offer popular online live casino games, such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, in Rhode Island starting in April 2024, as well as online slots from Stakelogic and IGT.

The online casino operation will be regulated by the Ocean State’s lottery, and will only be available to individuals over the age of 21 playing in-state.

The state has negotiated “the best deal on the books” with Bally’s, according to Representative Charlene Lima (D-14), speaking before the legalization bill was signed.

Rhode Island will tax online slot win at 61%, which is one of the highest rates in the U.S. Meanwhile, the taxman will also take 15% of the operator’s win from its Stakelogic-supplied live casino games.

Bally’s Corporation currently owns and manages 15 casinos across 10 states, including two in Rhode Island, Bally’s Twin River Lincoln and Bally’s Tiverton.

The company also owns Bally Bet, an online sportsbook that has struggled for market share in many states. It operates in the largest U.S. sports betting market, New York, where it has been bottom of the charts in overall handle for several months in a row.