Quick Legal Status
| Field | Status |
|---|---|
| State | Rhode Island |
| Online Casino Games | Legal — launched April 2024 (7th US state; Bally’s monopoly) |
| Online Sports Betting | Legal — launched November 2018; state-run via Rhode Island Lottery / IGT |
| Online Poker | Not authorized — SB 948 did not include online poker |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Legal — 18+ (FanDuel and DraftKings operate) |
| State Lottery | Yes — Rhode Island Division of the Lottery; rilot.com |
| Minimum Gambling Age | 21 casino / iGaming / sports betting · 18 lottery / DFS |
| Regulatory Body | Rhode Island Division of the Lottery |
| Last Legal Update | April 2024 — iGaming launched via Bally’s/Gamesys platform |
Legal Overview
Rhode Island became the seventh US state to legalize online casino gaming when Governor Dan McKee signed Senate Bill 948 on June 22, 2023. The law — which Bally’s Corporation helped draft — extended the company’s existing land-based casino monopoly to the iGaming space. Rhode Island’s online casino market launched in April 2024 via Bally’s Gamesys platform, offering online slots and live-dealer table games.
Rhode Island’s gambling framework is built around a single operator: Bally’s Corporation holds the exclusive license for both land-based casinos and online gambling. Unlike competitive iGaming states such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia — where multiple licensed operators compete — Rhode Island is a state-controlled single-operator market. All legal online casino gaming runs through Bally’s-affiliated brands.
Sports betting has been legal in Rhode Island since May 2018, making it one of the earliest adopters of post-PASPA betting. The state-run model is managed through the Rhode Island Lottery with IGT handling platform operations at Bally’s Twin River properties. No online poker is available in Rhode Island — SB 948 did not authorize it, and no poker legislation has been introduced as of May 2026.
What’s Legal
- Online casino gaming (iGaming): Online slots and live-dealer table games are fully legal via Bally’s-affiliated brands. Launched April 2024 under SB 948. Minimum age: 21. Must be physically located in Rhode Island.
- Online sports betting: Legal since November 2018. State-run via the Rhode Island Lottery / IGT platform at Bally’s Twin River properties. Minimum age: 21.
- Daily fantasy sports (DFS): Legal. FanDuel and DraftKings both operate in Rhode Island. Minimum age: 18 (operator-set).
- Land-based casino gaming: Two Bally’s-operated casinos — Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort and Bally’s Tiverton Casino & Hotel. Minimum age: 21.
- State lottery: Rhode Island Division of the Lottery. Draw games and scratch-offs. The Lottery also serves as the primary gaming regulator. Minimum age: 18.
What’s Not Legal
- Online poker: Not authorized under SB 948. Rhode Island is not an MSIGA member. No online poker legislation has been introduced as of May 2026.
- Competitive iGaming market: Rhode Island’s monopoly model means no operator other than Bally’s-affiliated brands can offer legal online casino gaming.
- RNG (computer-generated) table games: SB 948 explicitly prohibits RNG-based table games due to constitutional concerns. Only live-dealer simulcast table games are permitted.
- Third-party online sportsbooks: Rhode Island’s sports betting market is a state-run monopoly; commercial brands like DraftKings or FanDuel are not licensed for sports betting in RI.
Key Legislation
| Year | Law / Event | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| May 2018 | Sports betting authorization | Rhode Island legalizes retail sports betting |
| November 2018 | Sports betting launch | First legal bets accepted at Bally’s Twin River Lincoln; mobile/online followed |
| June 22, 2023 | Senate Bill 948 signed by Governor McKee | Rhode Island becomes 7th US state to legalize iGaming; extends Bally’s monopoly to online casino |
| 2023 | SB 948 amendments | Slots taxed at 50% GGR; table games at 18% GGR; RNG table games removed; minimum age raised to 21 for tables |
| April 2024 | iGaming launch | Online casino goes live via Bally’s/Gamesys platform — slots and live-dealer table games |
Regulatory Structure
The Rhode Island Division of the Lottery is the primary regulatory authority for all gambling in Rhode Island — including iGaming, sports betting, and lottery products. The Lottery is empowered to develop rules and regulations for iGaming under SB 948.
| Authority | Jurisdiction | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Division of the Lottery | iGaming, sports betting, state lottery, all casino licensing | rilot.com |
| Bally’s Corporation | Exclusive licensed operator for iGaming and land-based casinos | ballys.com |
| IGT (International Game Technology) | Platform manager for sports betting at Bally’s properties | — |
Licensed Online Platforms
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Rhode Island’s iGaming and sports betting market is a state-controlled single-operator monopoly. All legal online casino gaming is available exclusively through Bally’s-affiliated brands operating on the Gamesys platform.
Licensed Online Casino Operators
Bally’s is the sole authorized iGaming operator in Rhode Island. Its brands on the Gamesys platform include:
| Platform | Brand | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Virgin Casino RI | Bally’s / Gamesys | Launched April 2024; slots and live-dealer table games |
| Tropicana Casino RI | Bally’s / Gamesys | Bally’s-branded skin; same platform as Virgin Casino |
| Rainbow Riches Casino RI | Bally’s / Gamesys | Additional Gamesys skin available in RI |
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Number of licensed operators | 1 (Bally’s Corporation; multiple brand skins) |
| Platform | Gamesys (Bally’s subsidiary) |
| Games offered | Online slots; live-dealer table games (blackjack, roulette, baccarat); NO RNG table games |
| Minimum age | 21 |
| Geolocation required | Yes — must be physically located in Rhode Island |
| Tax rate | 50% GGR on slots; 18% GGR on table games (among highest in the US) |
| Regulator | Rhode Island Division of the Lottery |
Licensed Online Sports Betting
Sports betting in Rhode Island is a state-run monopoly via the Rhode Island Lottery. IGT manages the platform at Bally’s Twin River properties.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Legal since | May 2018 (retail); November 2018 (mobile/online at Twin River properties) |
| Market model | State monopoly via Rhode Island Lottery / IGT |
| Minimum age | 21 |
| Regulator | Rhode Island Division of the Lottery |
Online Poker
Online poker is not authorized in Rhode Island. Senate Bill 948 did not include online poker. Rhode Island is not a member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). No online poker legislation has been introduced as of May 2026.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
Daily fantasy sports are legal in Rhode Island. FanDuel and DraftKings both operate in the state.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Legal |
| Minimum age | 18 (operator-enforced) |
| Active operators | DraftKings, FanDuel |
Offshore Online Casinos
Rhode Island has a legal iGaming market, though it is limited to a single operator (Bally’s). Players seeking broader game variety may look to offshore platforms. All five offshore casinos reviewed by MobileCasinoParty accept Rhode Island players, as Rhode Island is not among any operator’s restricted states.
However, because Rhode Island has a legal licensed iGaming platform available, MobileCasinoParty recommends Rhode Island residents use the licensed Bally’s/Gamesys platform as a first option. Licensed platforms offer state-backed consumer protections, certified game fairness, access to Rhode Island’s self-exclusion program, and legal recourse in the event of a dispute.
| Operator | RI Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bovada | Accepts RI players | Not RI-licensed; Curaçao-licensed; RI not in restricted states |
| Wild Casino | Accepts RI players | Not RI-licensed; Panama Gaming Commission; RI not in restricted states |
| Ignition Casino | Accepts RI players | Not RI-licensed; RI not in restricted states (DE, MD, NV, NJ, NY only) |
| Cafe Casino | Accepts RI players | Not RI-licensed; RI not in restricted states (DE, MD, NV, NJ, NY only) |
| Slots.LV | Accepts RI players | Not RI-licensed; RI not in restricted states (DE, MD, NV, NJ, NY only) |
Land-Based Casinos
Rhode Island has two licensed casinos, both operated by Bally’s Corporation under an exclusive state monopoly. There are no tribal casinos in Rhode Island.
| Casino | Location | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort | Lincoln, RI | Commercial casino | Flagship property; hotel + casino + entertainment; retail sports betting on-site |
| Bally’s Tiverton Casino & Hotel | Tiverton, RI | Commercial casino | Smaller property; hotel on-site; retail sports betting on-site |
Both properties are commercial operations licensed by the Rhode Island Division of the Lottery under Bally’s Corporation’s exclusive state license. There are no tribal gaming operations in Rhode Island.
Recent Legal Changes
iGaming Launched April 2024: Rhode Island’s online casino market went live in April 2024 via Bally’s Gamesys platform. Rhode Island became the 7th US state to offer legal real-money online casino gaming. The initial offering includes online slots and live-dealer table games — RNG-based table games were excluded from SB 948 due to constitutional concerns.
Tax Structure Among Nation’s Highest: Rhode Island’s iGaming tax rates are among the highest in the country: 51% GGR on online slots and 18% on table games. For context, New Jersey taxes iGaming at 15% and Pennsylvania at 54% slots / 16% table games.
Monopoly Model Maintained: Unlike the legislative trend in other states toward competitive licensing, Rhode Island has not introduced legislation to open its iGaming or sports betting market beyond Bally’s. As of May 2026, Bally’s remains the sole licensed operator.
Online Poker Not Authorized: SB 948 did not include online poker, and no poker bill has been introduced in Rhode Island’s 2024 or 2026 legislative sessions. Rhode Island is not an MSIGA member.
Responsible Gambling Resources
| Resource | Contact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| National Problem Gambling Helpline | 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) | Rhode Island does not have a separate state gambling helpline; NCPG national line is the primary resource |
| Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling | 401-354-2877 | ricpg.com; 15 Messenger Dr, Warwick, RI 02888 |
| Rhode Island Division of the Lottery | rilot.com | Official RI Lottery responsible gambling resources |
Self-Exclusion Program
Rhode Island’s self-exclusion program is administered through the Rhode Island Division of the Lottery and applies to Bally’s Twin River Lincoln and Bally’s Tiverton. SB 948 included responsible gambling provisions for the iGaming platform.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Administrator | Rhode Island Division of the Lottery / Bally’s properties |
| Coverage | Bally’s Twin River Lincoln, Bally’s Tiverton, and associated online iGaming platform |
| Website | rilot.com |
National Resources
| Organization | Phone | Website | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCPG | 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) | ncpgambling.org | 24/7/365 |
| NCPG Text/Chat | Text 800GAM / ncpgambling.org/chat | — | 24/7/365 |
| Gamblers Anonymous | (909) 931-9056 (office) | gamblersanonymous.org | Meetings vary |
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | 988 (call or text) | 988lifeline.org | 24/7/365 |
| SAMHSA | 1-800-662-4357 (HELP) | samhsa.gov | 24/7/365 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online gambling legal in Rhode Island?
Yes. Governor Dan McKee signed Senate Bill 948 on June 22, 2023, making Rhode Island the 7th US state to legalize iGaming. The market launched April 2024 via Bally’s/Gamesys. Sports betting has been legal since May 2018. All regulated gambling is overseen by the Rhode Island Division of the Lottery.
Which online casino is available in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island has a single-operator market. Bally’s Corporation is the exclusive licensed iGaming operator, with brands including Virgin Casino RI, Tropicana Casino RI, and Rainbow Riches Casino RI. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and other brands are not licensed in RI.
When did Rhode Island launch iGaming?
April 2024, following SB 948’s signing in June 2023. Platform offers online slots and live-dealer table games. RNG-based table games are not available (excluded from SB 948).
Can I play online poker in Rhode Island?
No. SB 948 did not authorize online poker. Rhode Island is not an MSIGA member. No poker legislation has been introduced as of May 2026.
What is the minimum gambling age in Rhode Island?
21 for online casino gaming, sports betting, and land-based casino play. 18 for the state lottery and DFS (operator-set).
Can Rhode Island residents use offshore casinos like Bovada?
All five MCP-reviewed offshore casinos (Bovada, Wild Casino, Ignition, Cafe Casino, Slots.LV) accept Rhode Island players. RI is not on any operator’s restricted-state list. However, RI now has a legal licensed iGaming platform — use Bally’s RI for state-backed consumer protections.
Is sports betting legal in Rhode Island?
Yes — since May 2018. Rhode Island is a state-run monopoly via the Rhode Island Lottery / IGT at Bally’s Twin River properties. There is no competitive multi-operator sportsbook market.
Does Rhode Island have a self-exclusion program?
Yes. Administered by the Rhode Island Division of the Lottery. Covers Bally’s Twin River Lincoln, Bally’s Tiverton, and the online iGaming platform. Visit rilot.com or call the Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling at 401-354-2877.
Related Guides
- Responsible Gambling Policy — Support resources and helplines
- Casino Review Process — How we evaluate and rate casinos
- USA Online Casinos — Full state-by-state guide hub
- New Jersey Gambling Guide — Legal iGaming since 2013; competitive multi-operator market; online poker available
- Michigan Gambling Guide — Legal iGaming since 2021; MSIGA member; multiple operators
- Delaware Gambling Guide — Legal iGaming since 2013; MSIGA member; small market
- Connecticut Gambling Guide — Legal iGaming since 2021; 2-operator tribal market
- Massachusetts Gambling Guide — Neighboring state; sports betting legal; no iGaming yet
- Bovada Casino Review — Accepts RI players; not RI-licensed
- Wild Casino Review — Accepts RI players; not RI-licensed
- Ignition Casino Review — Accepts RI players; not RI-licensed
