Rhode Island Gambling & Gaming Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for gambling & gaming in the state of Rhode Island. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 6 different categories.
Daily Fantasy Sports
LEGALDaily Fantasy Sports are legal in Rhode Island. There have been no significant changes to the legal status of DFS in Rhode Island in recent years.
DFS Rules
Legal
Licensed Operators
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Minimum Age
18+
Gambling Age
LEGALThe minimum gambling age in Rhode Island is 18 for most forms of gambling including lottery and some casino games. State law permits gambling at age 18 for certain forms (lottery, bingo, pari-mutuel).
Casino Minimum Age
18+ for most gambling; 21+ at some venues
Lottery/Other Gambling Age
Legal
Penalties
Underage gambling is a misdemeanor.
Minimum Gambling Age
18+
Online Casinos & Poker
LEGALRhode Island legalized online casino gambling and online poker in 2013 through the Rhode Island Lottery and the Twin River Casino under R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-61.2. Licensed operators may offer online casino games and poker to residents 18 and older, regulated by the Rhode Island Lottery.
Online Casino Rules
Possession of licensed online gambling software is legal for authorized operators.
Licensed Platforms
Sale or operation of online gambling platforms requires a state license.
Penalties
Unlicensed operation or participation can lead to fines and criminal penalties under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-9-1.
Minimum Age
18 years old.
Online Gambling / Sports Betting
UNVERIFIEDLegal status of Online Gambling / Sports Betting in Rhode Island has not yet been verified. Online casino gaming became legal in March 2024.
Online Gambling Rules
Unverified
Licensed Operators
Unverified
Penalties
Unverified
Minimum Age
Unverified
Poker Home Games
LEGALSocial poker home games are legal in Rhode Island as long as no one takes a rake or house cut from the pot. A bill to repeal the ban on social gaming was introduced in February 2026.
Home Game Rules
Legal for social games without a rake
Rake/House Cut Rules
N/A
Penalties
Taking a rake converts it to illegal gambling.
Age Requirements
Varies, typically 18+
Sports Betting
LEGALSports betting is legal in Rhode Island. The in-person registration requirement was removed in 2020.
In-Person Betting
Legal for 18+. Rhode Island launched sports betting in November 2018, one of the first states after PASPA repeal. Mobile betting launched in 2019. The state uses a lottery model with Bally's as the primary operator. Rhode Island is one of the few states with an 18+ age requirement.
Online/Mobile Betting
Online/mobile betting available statewide through Bally Bet. Retail sportsbooks at Twin River Casino (now Bally's) and Tiverton Casino. Limited operator competition.
Penalties
Unlicensed gambling operations face criminal charges. Individual bettors using licensed platforms face no penalties.
Minimum Betting Age
18+