Rhode Island Online Casinos and Gambling Sites
Did you know the country’s smallest state is one of the biggest gambling advocates? In Rhode Island, you can access almost all forms of gambling, including land-based casinos, horse race betting, sports betting, and even state-regulated online casinos.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover every aspect of gambling in the Ocean State, from what’s legal and what isn’t to where you can find the best games and bonuses.
We reviewed dozens of online casinos for Rhode Islanders and dove deep into the laws so you can feel confident in your next gambling venture.
Highlights
The following table provides a snapshot of what forms of gambling are legal in the state. From online sites to land-based casinos and other forms of gambling such as state lottery.
Is Gambling Legal?
Yes
Legal Gambling Age
18+
Land-Based Casinos
Yes
Online Casinos
Yes
Land-Based Sports Betting
Yes
Online Sportsbooks
Yes
Legal State Lottery
Yes
Charitable Gambling
Yes
Table of Contents
Everything You Need to Start Playing at RI Online Casinos
Is Online Gambling Legal in Rhode Island?
Key Takeaways
- Online casinos are legal in Rhode Island.
- The two land-based casinos in the state will offer gambling sites.
- Residents of Rhode Island can play at offshore sites since the law doesn’t prohibit it.
- Online sports betting is legal.
Online gambling was legalized in Rhode Island on June 22, 2023, and state-regulated online casinos launched in the spring of 2024.
Bally’s owns two land-based casinos in Ocean State and has partnered with online platforms to offer gambling sites.
Rhode Island’s law doesn’t specifically address gambling at online casinos licensed elsewhere, so residents can also play at offshore sites.
This state was among the first to legalize sports betting and began offering online and retail sportsbooks in 2019.
Best Rhode Island Online Casinos in 2024
Our team dives deep into gambling sites to examine every facet and bring you the ones that stand out.
Below is a list of the best Rhode Island online casinos this year.
| RANK | CASINO | BONUS | PAYOUT SPEED | LICENSED | TOTAL GAMES | SLOTS | OUR RATING | CLICK TO PLAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
DuckyLuck Casino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-5 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 699 | SLOTS 600 | OUR RATING 4 / 5 | Play Now |
| 2 |
Bovada Casino |
BONUS 125% up to $3,750 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 549 | SLOTS 435 | OUR RATING 3.9 / 5 | Play Now |
| 3 |
SlotsandCasino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-2 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 691 | SLOTS 594 | OUR RATING 3.9 / 5 | Play Now |
| 4 |
BetUS |
BONUS 150% up to $3,000 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-7 days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 491 | SLOTS 367 | OUR RATING 4.5 / 5 | Play Now |
| 5 |
Cafe Casino |
BONUS 350% up to $2,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 547 | SLOTS 384 | OUR RATING 3.5 / 5 | Play Now |
*Last Updated: July, 2024
Our Recommended Online Casinos By Category
Depending on your interests, some gambling sites may be a better fit than others. Let’s look at the top Rhode Island casinos and their main features.
DuckyLuck – Best for Casino Games
DuckyLuck Casino is our top site for casino games. It offers over 600 titles, including slots, blackjack, and casual games.
You can find everything from progressive jackpot slots to a dozen video poker variations.
This site also offers live dealer games from FreshDeck Studios that are exceptionally high quality.
You can choose from multiple blackjack or roulette tables with varying limits for low and high rollers alike.
Top Features
- Games from the best software providers like Betsoft, Saucify, and Rival Gaming
- Great live dealer section
- Over 500 casino games, including hard-to-find titles
Bovada – Best for Sports Betting
Bovada is a one-stop destination for sports betting enthusiasts. This online sportsbook is renowned for its quick payouts and user-friendly software.
The site offers a diverse sports market, with local and international games. It includes NFL, NBA, NHL, soccer, golf, volleyball, badminton, and much more.
The oddsmaker frequently updates the betting odds on different bet types as per market trends. Enjoy betting on your favorite team or player any time you want.
Top Features
- Over 20 years of good reputation
- Great support and quick payouts
- Wide variety of odds and betting options
How We Choose Online Casinos
When choosing the best online casinos in Rhode Island, we ensure they meet specific standards.
Each gambling site must meet the following criteria.
Reputation
A site must have an all-around positive reputation. We read multiple reviews from various sources.Fast & Reliable Payments
We deposit and withdraw at casinos to experience the process first-hand and see how quick payments are.Site Security & Safety
We look for SSL encryption to ensure your personal information is secure. We also check for a license.Games Variety & Quality
We sort and play through a casino’s game catalog to check for a diverse selection and quality titles.Quality Bonuses
We examine each bonus and review the rollover requirements to verify they are reasonable and fair.
Casino Games Available in Rhode Island
Between state-regulated online casinos and offshore sites, residents of RI have a world of gambling options at their fingertips.
Let’s take a look at the current top real-money games.
Online Slots
Those in Rhode Island can play real money slots online at offshore sites with various titles. You can find almost every theme imaginable and exciting features like expanding wilds or cascading reels.
Online Poker
Rhode Islanders can access online poker at offshore sites where they can find almost any variation, including Texas Hold’Em, Caribbean Stud, and Five-Card Draw.
Online Blackjack
If you’re a low-roller looking for the most advantageous games, online blackjack is the better option. You can find bet minimums for as little as $1 and low-house-edge games like single-deck blackjack.
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games are the best way to experience the casino without going anywhere. Many offshore sites offer live dealer studios, where you can log in and play a table game in real time.
Other Online Casino Games for Rhode Island
You can access other online casual casino games from Rhode Island, like craps, Bingo, and Keno.
Take a look at some more options below.
Rhode Island Online Casino Bonuses
Promotions at gambling sites are a great way to boost your gameplay. After reviewing over 20 casino bonuses from different sites, I believe the following offers are worth your time.
Welcome Bonuses
Large introductory offers that nearly every online gambling site provides to new players.
Free Spin Offers
Promotional deals that give you a set number of free rounds on specific games.
Reload Deals
Get additional bonus cash when you deposit additional funds or top off your account.
Our Favorite Casino Bonuses at RI Sites
500% up to $7,500 + 150 free spins Bonus
The welcome bonus at DuckyLuck matches 500% of your first three deposits up to $7,500, plus it gives you 150 free spins on select slots.
The rollover requirements for this offer are only 30x, and the max payout is 10x the deposit amount.
You just have to click on “Claim this Promotion” to redeem this offer.
125% up to $3,750 Crypto Welcome Bonus
Bovada Casino has a crypto welcome bonus that matches 125% up to $1,250 on your first three crypto deposits for a total value of $3,750.
The rollover requirements for the first deposit are just 25x, while the following two are 50x.
To claim this offer, use code BTCCWB1250 on your first deposit and BTC2NDCWB on the second and third.
Casino Apps in Rhode Island
Bally Casino offers an app available for Android and Apple users. It has an overall rating of 1.9 stars out of 5 in the app store.
Some people complained about games crashing as you play or deposit options unavailable. On the other hand, some players have had no problem at all.
Most offshore mobile casinos are designed to adjust to small screens, translating seamlessly between desktop and mobile versions.
Ocean State residents can access all their favorite games on the go without downloading an app or sacrificing valuable device storage space.
You only need to have Wi-Fi, create an account, log in, and play in your browser.
Facts About RI Online Casinos
Here are some facts about RI online casinos that you need to consider before playing.
- The online casinos Rhode Islanders can play at are mostly offshore sites.
- Most offshore sites are licensed and regulated by other countries.
- Many offshore sites offer live dealer games.
- You can find more games online at offshore sites than at Rhode Island’s land-based casinos.
- It’s essential to do your research before playing at an online casino.
- Crypto is a quick and secure banking method widely accepted at offshore sites.
- Most offshore sites won’t let you withdraw or deposit using a US bank account.
Gambling Laws Summary
Rhode Island has legalized nearly every form of gambling, including land-based casinos, online and retail sports betting, in-state online casinos, horse race betting, charitable gaming, and the lottery.
Take a look at the summary of Rhode Island gambling laws below.
| Rhode Island Gambling | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Land-based casinos in Rhode Island | Rhode Island has two land-based commercial casinos. Both are owned and operated by Bally’s. |
| Online Gambling | Online casinos are legal in Rhode Island. The law does not address playing at offshore sites, meaning residents can exploit that loophole. |
| Online Sports Betting and Land-based | Online and land-based sports betting was legalized in 2018. The state has one online sportsbook and two retail locations. |
| State Lottery | Rhode Island has a state lottery that offers numerous games like MegaMillions, Bingo, Keno, and pull tabs. |
| Charitable Gambling | Charity gambling is legal by licensed non-profit organizations. The games permitted are bingo, raffles, and bazaars. |
| Poker | Poker is legal at land-based casinos in Rhode Island. There are no standalone poker rooms. |
| Horse & Dog Racing | Horse race betting is legal in Rhode Island, but no race tracks operate. Residents can bet on simulcast greyhound races at the two land-based casinos or online. Live dog racing is illegal. |
| Fantasy Sports | Daily Fantasy Sports was legalized in RI in 2016 after a careful assessment of the state statutes. |
| Social Gambling | Private games at home with money wagers are illegal in Rhode Island. |
| Taxes on Gambling Winnings | Gambling winnings are subject to the Rhode Island personal income tax rate of 3.75% up to 5.99% and the federal income tax of 24% |
Disclaimer: The information on this page does not, nor does it intend to, constitute legal advice. This page is for learning purposes and may not have the most up-to-date information year-round. Readers should contact their attorney and/or accountant for advice concerning any particular legal matter. Do not take any action without first contacting a lawyer in your state.
Rhode Island Gambling Laws: A Deep Dive
Rhode Island is one of the most progressive states regarding gambling, with most forms being legal and accessible. However, there are a few nuances.
We will take a deep dive into Rhode Island’s legislature for each type so you can play confidently.
Land-Based Casinos
Commercial land-based casinos are legal in Rhode Island, but only two are in operation, given the state’s tiny size.
Both are owned and operated by Bally’s and offer a full range of games, including slots, blackjack, poker, roulette, craps, and baccarat.
They also provide the state’s only retail sportsbooks and pari-mutuel horse race wagering.
There are no tribal casinos in Rhode Island.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
Poker is legal at state-licensed, land-based casinos in Rhode Island.
Bally’s Twin River has an eight-table poker room that offers a variety of games, like Texas Hold’Em, Pocket Aces, and others
Standalone poker rooms and clubs are illegal in RI.
Bingo, Lottery, and Charitable Gambling
Bingo conducted by a charitable organization is legal in Rhode Island but is tightly regulated by the state police, who license, supervise, and exercise control over games.
The other two forms of charitable gambling, raffles and bazaars, also fall under this law.
Rhode Island has a state lottery that provides numerous games such as Keno, Powerball, Wild Money, and pull-tabs.
Keno and instant games are available for online purchase.
Horse & Dog Tracks
Horse racing is legal in Rhode Island, and there used to be two race tracks operating in the state.
However, since they have closed and there are no off-track betting locations, the two land-based casinos are the only place to wager on races now.
The state’s last remaining dog racing track closed in 2009, and the sport is now illegal.
Social Gambling at Home
Social gaming is one of the only forms of gambling that is illegal in Rhode Island.
It falls under section 11-19-20 of the state’s general laws and prohibits inducing others to visit a gambling place.
In other words, inviting someone for an at-home poker game is illegal.
Breaking this law could earn you a $500 or more fine and imprisonment for one year.
Online Sports Betting
Online and land-based sports betting have been legal in Rhode Island since 2018, with the first legal bet placed in November of that year at Bally’s Twin River Casino.
There are now two retail sportsbooks, one at each land-based casino and one online sportsbook operated by the Rhode Island State Lottery.
Land-Based Casinos in Rhode Island
Rhode Island only has two land-based casinos, but considering how small the state is, that’s plenty. It would only take 30 minutes to drive from one location to the other.
Take a look at both casinos on the interactive map below.
Top Casinos
- Bally’s Tiverton Casino
- Bally’s Twin River Casino
Summary
- Total Casinos: 2
- Poker Rooms: 1
Rhode Island Gambling vs. Neighboring States
How does the Ocean State compare to its neighbors’ gambling laws? Let’s find out.
| State | Is Gambling Legal? | Legal Gambling Age | Legal Land-Based Casinos | Playing at Online Casinos | Legal Sports Betting | Legal State Lottery | Charitable Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | Yes | 18+ | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Massachusetts | Yes | 18-21 | Legal | Grey Area | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Connecticut | Yes | 18-21 | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| New York | Yes | 18-21 | Legal | Grey Area | Legal | Legal | Legal |
Rhode Island and Connecticut are the states with the most lenient gambling laws. Both have legalized online casinos, while Massachusetts and New York’s regulations don’t address online gambling.
Other than that, all four states have a lot of similarities, although Rhode Island has the youngest gambling age.
A Brief History of Rhode Island Gambling
Let’s look at Rhode Island’s gambling journey over the past decades.
| Year | Historical Event |
|---|---|
| 1744 | The state launched its first lottery. |
| 1846 | A strong anti-gambling stance began to grow, and the lottery was banned. |
| 1896 | The state outlawed most forms of gambling, including horse race betting, bookmaking, and games of chance. |
| 1934 | Pari-mutuel wagering on horse and dog races was legalized. |
| 1947 | One of the state’s only race tracks, Lincoln Downs opened its doors. |
| 1973 | The lottery was reintroduced in the state. |
| 1980 | The state legalized pull-tabs, charitable gaming, Powerball, and MegaMilions. |
| 1992 | Rhode Island legalized video lottery terminals. |
| 2007 | Bally’s purchased the property formerly known as Lincoln Downs and re-opened it as the Twin River casino. |
| 2018 | Rhode Island approved live table games, and the corporation opened the Tiverton casino. |
| 2018 | The first retail sportsbooks opened in the Ocean State. |
| 2024 | Rhode Island launched online casinos within its borders. |
Responsible Gambling Initiatives
The Ocean State’s responsible gambling initiatives include the Rhode Island Problem Gambling Services, which offers gambling addiction treatment, a casino self-exclusion program, and a helpline.
You can also find other resources here:
To know more about the topic, visit our responsible gambling page.
Summary: Seventh US State to Legalize Online Casinos
After the legalization of table games and the opening of two land-based casinos, sports betting, and online gambling soon followed.
Now, the country’s smallest state permits almost all forms of gambling, with a few exceptions. At-home social games and standalone poker clubs are still illegal.
But with the ability to access poker and other casino games online at offshore sites and state-regulated online casinos, it’s easy to forgive those shortcomings.
Rhode Islanders are currently living in a gambling mecca.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have questions about gambling in Rhode Island, check out our FAQs.
How do tribal casinos differ from commercial casinos in Rhode Island?
Although one of the state’s tribes, the Narragansetts, has made multiple attempts to get approval for a casino, Rhode Island has blocked all of their efforts. The state only has commercial casinos.
Are there real money online casinos in Rhode Island with no deposit bonuses?
It is possible to find real money online casinos in Rhode Island that offer no-deposit bonuses, although they don’t always come up.
Check your favorite offshore sites regularly.
Is there any risk of playing at online casinos regulated outside Rhode Island?
Since Rhode Island’s laws don’t address it, playing at online casinos regulated outside of the state is a legal loophole. There is very little risk.
Who regulates online casinos in Rhode Island?
The state regulates Rhode Island’s online casinos. Other countries like Curaçao and Panama typically regulate offshore sites.
