Rhode Island has officially joined the small group of U.S. states that have legalized online poker. Following legislation passed in 2023, the Ocean State now allows residents to play poker over the internet within a regulated framework. However, despite legalization, no real-money poker sites have launched yet, leaving players with limited options in 2025.
This shift represents a major step in Rhode Island’s long history with gambling, one that began with horse racing in the 1930s and gradually expanded to casinos, sports betting, and now online gaming. For local poker fans, it means the legal groundwork is in place, but the digital tables remain empty until operators go live. In the meantime, residents can access sweepstakes poker platforms such as Global Poker or ClubWPT, which operate legally under separate federal models.
This guide answers the “is online poker legal in Rhode Island” question, how state regulations work, what options are available today, and what players can expect next as the market develops.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Gambling carries risk. If you or someone you know struggles with gambling, contact the Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling or call 1-800-GAMBLER for free, confidential support.
Is Online Poker Legal in Rhode Island?
Yes. Online poker is legal in Rhode Island under the state’s 2023 iGaming expansion bill (S 948 / H 6348). Governor Daniel McKee signed the legislation into law, making RI the seventh U.S. jurisdiction to authorize regulated online poker and casino gaming. Real-money play became legal in April 2024, though no operators have launched poker rooms or apps as of 2025.
The law designates Bally’s Corporation and IGT as exclusive partners responsible for running all online casino and poker operations under the oversight of the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR). Any future online poker platforms must therefore operate through Bally’s or its affiliates, ensuring state-level monitoring, consumer protections, and responsible gaming tools.
While residents cannot yet join a licensed poker room for real-money games, the legal foundation has been laid. Rhode Island’s framework mirrors other regulated markets like New Jersey and Michigan, requiring players to be 21 or older, physically located in-state, and registered with a licensed provider once active.
Below is an overview of the current legal status:
| Aspect | Details (2025) |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Legalized (2023) |
| Real-Money Poker Rooms | None launched yet |
| Legal Sweepstakes Poker | Global Poker, ClubWPT, Clubs Poker |
| Minimum Age | 21+ |
| Regulator | RI Department of Business Regulation |
| Tax Rate | 18% (table games), 50% (slots) |
| Shared Liquidity (MSIGA) | Not yet joined |
| Legal Retail Casinos | Bally’s Twin River Lincoln and Tiverton |
In short, Rhode Island players can legally play poker online, but must use sweepstakes-style or social poker sites until fully licensed real-money platforms open within the state.
Licensed Poker Sites and Legal Alternatives
Although Rhode Island legalized online poker in 2023, no licensed real-money poker rooms or mobile apps are operating as of 2025. The only authorized iGaming operator in the state is Bally’s Corporation, working in partnership with IGT, which runs the software and infrastructure for online gaming. However, Bally’s has not yet introduced an online poker platform, largely because of the live dealer requirement written into Rhode Island law.
Under this rule, all digital table games, including poker, must feature a live human dealer broadcast from a physical location within the state. The goal is to replicate a casino-style experience, but it also raises costs and limits the number of games available. This has delayed the rollout of poker sites, which depend on flexible software rather than live-streamed tables.
For now, Rhode Island residents can legally play on sweepstakes poker platforms, which operate under federal sweepstakes law rather than state gaming licenses. These platforms are accessible nationwide (except in restricted states) and allow users to play for prizes redeemable for cash.
Popular Legal Poker Options in Rhode Island (2025)
| Platform | Model | Access Type | Redeemable Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Poker | Sweepstakes | Browser / Mobile | Sweeps Coins → Cash prizes |
| ClubWPT | Sweepstakes | App / Browser | VIP Tournaments, Prizes |
| Clubs Poker | Social | Mobile app | Play money only |
These platforms offer a way to experience online poker legally while the state’s regulated market matures. All operate without violating Rhode Island’s gambling laws and provide an option for players who want to enjoy poker games online without waiting for Bally’s to launch its own product.
Next, we’ll look at how online poker is regulated in Rhode Island, including live poker rooms, tax on online poker winnings tax rates, licensing conditions, and how state oversight works.
Live Poker Rooms in Rhode Island
While online poker platforms are still pending, live poker remains fully legal and active in Rhode Island through the state’s two licensed casinos.
Bally’s Twin River Casino Hotel – Lincoln, RI
- The state’s largest poker venue with 28 tables and a steady schedule of Texas Hold’em and Omaha cash games.
- Hosts daily tournaments, typically ranging from $60–$200 buy-ins.
- Open 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily with a player rewards program tied to Bally Rewards.
- Offers table-side dining, promotions, and poker jackpots that rotate seasonally.
Bally’s Tiverton Casino – Tiverton, RI
- Smaller venue featuring table games and electronic poker options.
- Focuses mainly on casino-style table play rather than traditional poker tournaments.
For residents seeking real-money play today, these two casinos represent the only regulated options within Rhode Island. Players looking for more variety or online convenience often travel to Connecticut or New Jersey, where fully licensed online poker sites operate legally.
How Online Poker Is Regulated in Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s online poker and casino gaming operate under the 2023 iGaming law, which gave Bally’s Corporation exclusive rights to offer digital table games and slots. The legislation created a single-operator model, meaning no outside companies such as PokerStars, BetMGM, or WSOP can launch independent poker sites in the state. Instead, any future poker platform must function through Bally’s, using IGT’s gaming software and subject to strict regulatory oversight.
Oversight and enforcement are handled by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR) in cooperation with the Rhode Island Lottery, which manages reporting, tax collection, and compliance audits. This structure ensures that real-money poker games, once they launch, will follow clear standards for fairness, security, and player protection. Under the law, Rhode Island taxes table games, including poker, at 18% of gross revenue and online slot machines at 50%.
Interstate Poker and Shared Liquidity (MSIGA)
A key factor in the growth of online poker markets across the United States is the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), a compact that allows member states to share player pools across borders. By combining traffic from multiple states, poker sites can offer more tables, larger tournaments, and better liquidity, which is crucial for sustaining real-money poker games.
As of 2025, Rhode Island has not joined the MSIGA, although officials have expressed openness to future participation. Current members include Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, Michigan, and West Virginia, with Pennsylvania reportedly preparing to join. If Rhode Island were to enter the agreement, it could connect its player base (about 1.1 million residents) to much larger interstate networks, making the launch of a viable poker platform far more realistic.
For now, Rhode Island poker players are limited to in-state play once licensed platforms become available. Under federal law, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 and the Wire Act of 1961 do not specifically prohibit online poker; instead, they regulate interstate financial transactions and sports betting, respectively. This legal framework leaves it up to individual states to authorize and regulate poker within their borders.
If Rhode Island joins MSIGA in the coming years, it could pave the way for Bally’s to launch a poker network connected to neighboring states, increasing liquidity and potentially attracting major poker brands through partnerships.
Future Outlook: When Will Real-Money Poker Launch in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island has cleared the legal path for real-money online poker, but several practical barriers remain before a launch can happen. The live dealer requirement continues to limit the feasibility of online poker rooms, as streaming real-time games with in-state dealers adds high operating costs. Bally’s, the state’s only licensed operator, has prioritized digital table games and slots before expanding into poker.
The state’s small population, just over one million, also makes it difficult to sustain large player pools without joining an interstate network like the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). In comparable states such as Delaware, annual online poker revenue averages less than half a million dollars, suggesting limited market potential unless Rhode Island connects with other jurisdictions.
Still, several developments could accelerate progress:
- Bally’s may expand its iGaming platform to include poker once initial products stabilize.
- MSIGA membership could make the market viable by pooling players with nearby states.
- Federal reinterpretations of the Wire Act continue to favor state-regulated online poker.
Until that happens, Rhode Island residents can safely participate in sweepstakes poker sites like Global Poker or ClubWPT, or play at Bally’s live poker rooms in Lincoln and Tiverton. The framework is in place, it’s now a matter of market readiness and operator investment before real-money online poker becomes a reality in Rhode Island.
FAQ
Is online poker legal in Rhode Island?
Yes. Online poker was legalized in 2023 as part of Rhode Island’s iGaming expansion law. However, no licensed poker sites have launched yet. Once Bally’s Corporation introduces an online poker platform, residents will be able to play legally for real money within the state.
Can you play online poker in Rhode Island for real money?
Not yet through state-licensed operators. Real-money poker is legal but not available because no platforms have gone live. Until then, players can use sweepstakes-based poker sites like Global Poker or ClubWPT, which are lawful nationwide under federal sweepstakes/online poker law.
Is there a tax on online poker winnings in Rhode Island?
Yes. Online table games such as poker are taxed at 18% of gross gaming revenue, while slot games are taxed at 50%. Players must also report winnings on their state and federal tax returns. Rhode Island’s Division of Taxation treats poker winnings as taxable income.
Who regulates online poker in Rhode Island?
The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR) oversees licensing, compliance, and player protection, working alongside the Rhode Island Lottery to monitor gaming operations and tax reporting.
How to play online poker in Rhode Island legally?
Until real-money sites launch, the only legal online options are sweepstakes poker platforms like Global Poker and ClubWPT. For in-person play, residents can visit Bally’s Twin River Casino or Bally’s Tiverton Casino.