Online Gambling License in Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR) is a state agency responsible for regulating various industries within the Ocean State, including banking, insurance, real estate, and, more recently, online gambling.

Online gambling, or online casino gaming, to be more precise, was launched in Rhode Island on March 5, 2024. This made Rhode Island the seventh US state to offer legal online gambling to its residents. 

The primary role of DBR, at least when it comes to gambling, is to ensure that all licensed gambling activities, particularly online and mobile platforms, operate within the state’s legal framework. The DBR aims to protect consumers, maintain fair business practices, and prevent fraudulent or unlawful activities within the gambling industry.

A Director appointed by the Governor leads the department, with support from a team of commissioners. Each commissioner oversees a specific area within the department. Commissioners must meet strict qualifications, including industry experience and a clean background check, to maintain high regulatory standards.

Types of Gambling Regulated by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation

The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR) is a state agency responsible for overseeing and regulating several types of gambling:

Online Gambling

Rhode Island legalized online gambling in June 2023, and the first online casino platform, operated by Bally’s, was launched in March 2024. This made Rhode Island the seventh US state to offer online casino gaming. 

Currently, Rhode Island has a monopoly market, with Bally’s being the sole operator. The platform offers a selection of online slots and live dealer table games. Although online poker was also legalized, it has yet to be launched. 

Land-Based Casinos

Only two land-based casinos offer their services to players in Rhode Island. These are Twin River Casino and Twin River Tiverton Casino Hotel, located in Lincoln and Tiverton, respectively.

The Lincoln venue was the first to open its doors, growing out of Lincoln Park racetrack and Governor Carcieri’s decision to sell the track following a 2003 bribery scandal involving the track’s executives. The casino in Tiverton was opened in 2018, while both venues are owned by Bally’s.

Poker

The Twin River Casino offers a poker room with 22 tables, hosting a wide range of cash games every day. These occasionally include high-stakes No-Limit Hold ’em, Limit Hold ’em, and Stud, although the venue doesn’t organize poker tournaments.

Rhode Island legalized online poker in 2023. The new legislation allows the state to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). This partnership lets Rhode Island pool player liquidity with other member states: New Jersey, Michigan, Delaware, and Nevada.

Sports Betting

Rhode Island allowed sports betting on June 22, 2018, after Governor Raimondo signed the corresponding bill. The first bets were placed in November of the same year, while online sports betting was approved the following year.

The state’s sports market is also monopolized, with IGT being the only licensed operator. Due to high taxes, the odds aren’t player-friendly. Off-track betting on horse and greyhound races is allowed in Rhode Island, and its residents can enjoy the activity through TwinSpires and TVG platforms.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Although the state hasn’t introduced a bill to regulate daily fantasy sports contests, the activity is legal in the state. In 2016, the Attorney General determined that existing state law allows daily fantasy sports games. Therefore, Rhode Island residents can access all major DFS platforms, including DraftKings and FanDuel.

Lottery

Lottery fans in Rhode Island can enjoy various intrastate and interstate lotto games such as Powerball and Mega Millions. The list of available options also includes keno, pull-tab games, and instant scratchers.

Tickets can be bought from land-based retailers only. The lottery website provides general information and lotto draw results.

Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation Regulatory Framework

Rhode Island General Laws, Title 41, define the regulatory framework for gambling in the state, including oversight by the Department of Business Regulation (DBR). Title 41, Chapter 4, outlines DBR’s authority, licensing requirements, and operational standards for gambling.

The DBR issues licenses, conducts inspections, and enforces laws to prevent fraud and illegal gambling. These statutes also allow DBR to fine or revoke licenses of operators who violate its rules.

Additionally, the department promotes responsible gambling. It requires operators to provide resources for problem gambling. DBR’s goals are to ensure fair and legal gambling, protect consumers, and generate state revenue for public services.

FAQs about the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation