Is Poker legal in Rhode Island ? Online & Live Poker Laws in RI

Both online and live poker are legal in Rhode Island.

It's one of eight states in which online poker sites are legally allowed to operate, joining Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Michigan and West Virginia.

However, while Rhode Island legalized online poker in 2023, no online operator has launched there yet, meaning that residents are limited to playing on free-to-play poker apps, or visiting one of the live poker rooms in the state.

In this article, we'll talk you through all your options when it comes to playing poker, both live and online, in Rhode Island.

Is Poker Legal in Rhode Island?

Yes, poker is legal for both live and online players in Rhode Island. That being said, the online situation in the state is baron at best, with no real money poker operators such as PokerStars and BetMGM having launched. There are options, though, for live poker in the state, and online play is possible on free-to-play or social apps.

Can You Play Online Poker in Rhode Island?

Theoretically, you can play online poker in Rhode Island as it is now legal. However, the problem is that there are no regulated operators to play on. We always recommend sticking to the regulated sites, as they offer more protection for your data and money. If and when operators become available, we'll be sure to update this page immediately with all the info!

If you do want to play poker online in Rhode Island, we recommend free-to-play poker products such as the WSOP Poker App, Replay Poker and GTO Wizard Play Mode.

Can You Play Live Poker in Rhode Island?

Yes, you can play live poker in Rhode Island. Unlike online poker in the state, being able to play it is not just theoretical! There are a couple of options for live poker rooms and casinos offering poker. Further down, we will outline these options.

Rhode Island Gambling Laws - Current Situation

Legalized gambling in Rhode Island dates all the way back to 1934 when voters approved pari-mutuel betting on horse races. Almost forty years later, the Ocean State introduced a lottery and pull-tab lottery games and bingo were also made legal.

In 1992, video lottery terminals were approved for operation in racetracks. Twenty years after that decision, voters approved full-scale table gaming for two casinos, Twin River Casino and the Newport Grand Casino. In 2015, the former bought out the latter to become the lone casino operator in the state.

Rhode Island legalized sports betting in 2019, which opened the door for them to legalize online poker down the road. In 2023, Rhode Island lawmakers passed identical bills legalizing both online poker and casino gaming.

Tax on Poker in Rhode Island

Poker winnings, both live and online, are taxable in Rhode Island. Like other states, residents are required to report all gambling income on both federal and state tax returns. Operators may issue W-2G forms for significant wins, but all winnings are considered taxable regardless of how much is won. Players are strongly encouraged to maintain accurate records of their wins, losses, and related expenses for proper tax reporting.

Safe & Responsible Gambling in Rhode Island

Rhode Island offers a fully regulated online poker environment with strong player protections. All licensed sites are required to provide responsible gaming tools, including deposit limits, session time reminders, and self-exclusion options.

Players can also enroll in the Rhode Island Lottery’s self-exclusion program, which restricts access to both online and retail gaming for a set period. For additional support, individuals can contact the Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling at 1-877-9-GAMBLE (1-877-942-6253) for free and confidential assistance.

Find out more with the PokerNews Guide to Responsible Gambling.

Rhode Island Poker History (Timeline)

Like most states, Rhode Island faced a long battle to get to the point of legalizing poker (and gambling in general). In this timeline, we will outline all the most important dates in its long journey to legalization.

• Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) Introduced (1992)
  RI legalizes video poker and blackjack machines at specific locations, the small but significant step in legalizing gambling.
• Poker Black Friday Shutdown (April 2011)
  Poker in the US is completely shutdown in what's now known as Black Friday. Online poker is made illegal in Rhode Island, among many other forms of gambling.
• Sports Betting Legalized (June 2018)
  Governor Raimondo signs legislation allowing retail sports wagering at the two state casinos.
• Poker Legalized (June 2023)
  Legislation (2023‑S 948/H 6348) is passed, legalizing iGaming across the state. This also includes poker, but all gambling games can only be offered through state-controlled platforms.
• Online Gaming Legalized (March 2024)
  Another significant step in Rhode Island's gaming legalization happened in March 2024, where online gaming was legalized. This means residents could play casino games online legally.
• No Operators (2025)
  Despite being legalized two years prior, online poker is still not available in Rhode Island as the state still awaits operators to launch.

Play Legal Real Money Poker in Rhode Island

As mentioned, the only option for Rhode Islanders for legal real-money poker is playing live. In this section, we'll go through all your live options, outlining the best poker rooms in RI.

How to Play Legal Live Poker in Rhode Island

Live poker is active and growing in Rhode Island, with key venues offering cash games, tournaments, and a welcoming atmosphere for players of all levels. While the state has a limited number of casinos compared to larger markets, dedicated players can still find quality live action.

Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort

Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort is Rhode Island’s largest gaming and entertainment destination. It offers a full-service experience with over 4,000 slot machines, table games, a racebook, live entertainment, multiple dining options, and a hotel! With a good balance of prestige and practicality, it caters for both casual and experienced gamblers.

The casino’s poker room is a popular attraction, featuring live Texas Hold ’Em games and regularly scheduled tournaments. With professional dealers, comfortable seating, and a competitive yet welcoming atmosphere, Bally’s Twin River provides an ideal setting for both new and experienced poker players seeking action in a well-regulated and lively environment.

Other Options for Live Poker in Rhode Island
While Bally's Twin River Casino is the only casino or poker room offering specific live poker, there are other options in RI. Other casinos, such as Tiverton Casino offers poker table games that you can play, as well as video poker machines. While not the traditional poker experience, it still allows you to play different forms of the game in a fun, competitive and real-money environment.

Poker Legality in Rhode Island FAQs

Is online poker legal in Rhode Island?

Yes, online poker is legal in Rhode Island as part of the state’s iGaming expansion passed in 2023. But no real money operators have chosen to launch there yet.

Can I play live poker at casinos in Rhode Island?

Yes, live poker is available at Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort, the only venue in the state currently offering a poker room with cash games and tournaments.

Is it legal to play poker for money at home in Rhode Island?

Private poker games are generally legal as long as no one is profiting from running the game (i.e., taking a rake or charging entry fees). Games must remain 'friendly' and not commercial.

Are poker winnings taxable in Rhode Island?

Yes, all gambling winnings—including poker—are taxable. Players must report them on both federal and Rhode Island state tax returns. W-2G forms may be issued for large wins.

What responsible gaming tools are available for poker players in Rhode Island?

All licensed sites must offer responsible gaming features such as deposit limits, time reminders, and self-exclusion. Players can also enroll in the Rhode Island Lottery’s self-exclusion program.

Why are there no online poker operators in Rhode Island?

There are no online poker operators in Rhode Island for a couple of main reasons. Firstly, any operator looking to launch must partner and be regulated with a local casino. Options for casinos in the state remain scarce, so that's one significant hoop to jump through. A second, and more prominent, reason is perhaps due to the small population in RI. Operators might not be as drawn to launching in the state compared with larger states like PA and NJ, given the limited revenue stream they can expect to get in return.