Legal Online Casinos in Rhode Island
All About Online Casinos in Rhode Island (summary)
In 2023, Rhode Island legalized online casino gambling, becoming the seventh state to do so. Bally’s Corporation, which operates two land-based casinos in the state, has exclusive rights to online gaming. Here’s a quick overview:
- Legalization: iGaming was legalized in June 2023, with Bally’s launching the first online casino, Bally Bet, in March 2024.
- Games: Only live dealer table games and slots are available, with no standard RNG table games allowed due to legal restrictions.
- Bonuses: Limited promotions, including a 10% deposit match and a reload bonus up to $100.
- Age and Location: Players must be 21 or older and within Rhode Island to play.
Conclusion
Rhode Island’s online casino market is still growing, with Bally’s controlling the space and offering a restricted selection of games. Players can enjoy live casino experiences but face limited bonuses and game options.
Trending News for Rhode Island
Casino games
More about Online Gambling in Rhode Island
Rhode Island regulated online casino gambling in 2023, thus becoming the seventh state to legalize iGaming. This was, of course, great news for players who enjoy having access to their favorite games anytime, without the need to visit physical casinos.
If you’re a fan of Bally’s and its two land-based casinos in Lincoln and Tiverton, you’ll be pleased to know that the company holds exclusive rights to online casino gaming in RI, just as it does for land-based casino operations.
Stay with us to learn more about the iGaming market in Rhode Island, its history and regulations, and why only live dealer table games are available in the Ocean State. Interested? Let’s dive in.
Legalization of Online Casinos in Rhode Island
The initiative for legalizing online casino gaming was introduced in 2023 by state lawmakers. Senate President Dominick Ruggerio and Rep. Gregory Costantino supported the proposal by emphasizing that the state’s casino industry generates substantial revenue, which helps fund essential programs and investments benefiting all residents.
Since Bally’s Corporation has already been running two land-based properties in the state, it was easy for lawmakers to bolster their presence and expand it to the online sphere.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee signed Senate Bill 948 (S0948) into law in June 2023. S0948 allowed online gambling by simulcasting table and slot games from Bally’s Lincoln Casino, formerly known as Bally’s Twin River Casino.
The new law also states that players must be at least 21 years old to access casino games on their mobile devices and laptops. Furthermore, players must be physically located in the state to be able to register and play at iGaming sites.
The Rhode Island Division of Lottery was assigned to oversee the regulation of the newly established iGaming market. This task wasn’t too difficult for the Division as they were already supervising two of Bally’s physical casinos in the state – Bally’s Lincoln and Bally’s Tiverton, formerly Tiverton Casino Hotel.
Bally’s Corp. launched the first online casino in Rhode Island, Bally Bet Casino, on March 5, 2024, at noon.
How to Register With an Online Casino in Rhode Island?
Joining Bally Bet Casino is a straightforward process. However, a few helpful tips can make a big difference if you’re new to online casinos. That’s why we’ve outlined the registration process in a few easy steps.
1
Enter your mobile number
When you provide your mobile number, the casino will send you a verification code to type in and authenticate the number.
2
Set up your login details
Once you confirm your mobile number, enter your email address, user name and password.
3
Fill out the contact form
The next step requires you to provide your full name, DOB, address, and the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number.
4
Finalize the registration
Confirm that you are of legal age, at least 21 years old, and accept the casino’s Terms and Conditions.
5
Complete the KYC procedure
The last step is to verify your account and confirm your identity. Send the image of your valid ID card, passport, or driver’s license so that the casino can validate your age. Next, upload the utility bill with your address on it to confirm your home address.
The team at Bally’s Casino will review these documents and approve your account if everything is fine. Usually, verification is immediately completed, but keep in mind that the process can sometimes take up to 72 hours.
Bonuses at Casinos in Rhode Island
Having a monopoly over the RI casino market doesn’t motivate Bally Bet Casino to offer some great incentives to players. But this doesn’t mean you won’t find good deals – it’s just that they are limited and may not be as exciting as those in a more competitive market, where casinos compete with each other to attract players.
The first thing you’ll notice is the lack of a standard welcome bonus. However, when we were reviewing the site, Bally Bet had a time-limited 10% deposit match deal up to $25. Also, the casino offers a reload bonus of up to $100 in bonus money, which is available the first 7 days after your initial deposit. This is actually a cashback offer since the casino refunds your losses.
Other interesting promotions are Bally Daily Pick, with a daily free game, and a giveaway allowing you to win an entry each time you wager $100 and compete for a share of a prize pool awarding bonus money.
Available Casino Games in Rhode Island
The online gambling law in Rhode Island recognizes just two types of casino games: slots and live dealer table games. We’ll briefly explain why residents of Rhode Island can’t play standard RNG-powered table games.
When the law that made iGaming legal in the state was adopted, one of the conditions for passing this law was that table games were only available in the live dealer format. The State Lottery expressed concern that approval of classic online table games could be considered gambling expansion, which would require changes in the Constitution and approval from residents on the referendum.
To prevent complications, the lawmakers proposed that table games must be simulcast from Bally’s Twin River casino in Lincoln. To meet this demand, Bally’s built a live dealer studio at Twin River.
Online Slots
Bally Bet Casino has a relatively small collection of online slots containing more than 220 games. Although this isn’t the most extensive slot library we’ve seen, the selection and quality of the games make up for the limited quantity.
The leading content providers at Bally Bet Casino include IGT, Blueprint Gaming, and Light & Wonder Besides classic slots and those boasting Megaways engine, you can also play different jackpot slots, including those from the Jackpot Royale progressive jackpot network.
Live Casino Games
As we’ve explained already, gamers from Rhode Island can only play table games broadcast live from Bally’s Lincoln land-based casino. The company signed an agreement with Stakelogic Live to provide its live casino and table game software and studio technology. You can play roulette, classic blackjack, Absolute Blackjack, and speed baccarat.
Popular Banking Methods in Rhode Island
Bally online casino in Rhode Island supports various deposit and withdrawal methods. You can make casino deposits with Visa, Mastercard, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, VIP Preferred Instant eCheck and cash at Cage.
Withdrawals are possible with Visa Direct, Mastercard Debit, PayPal, ACH eCheck, and cash at Cage. If you want to collect your winnings directly at the casino, visit Cashier Cage located at Bally’s Twin River Lincoln or Bally’s Tiverton. Don’t forget to bring your ID, as the cashier must verify your identity.
Mobile Online Casinos
Bally Bet online casino works excellently on any modern smartphone or mobile device because it’s optimized for mobile play. Launching the website from the mobile browser is the easiest and most convenient option for many gamers.
However, the casino also provides Android and iOS mobile apps for those who prefer installing the software on their smartphone. When you download the app, enable push notifications to stay up to date on the casino’s latest promotions and newest releases.
Other Types of Online Gambling in Rhode Island
If you like sports betting, the Rhode Island Division of Lottery operates retail sportsbooks at Bally’s two physical establishments in Lincoln and Tiverton.
Online and mobile betting is available through Sportsbook Rhode Island, which is run by Bally’s Corporation. Online sports betting became legal in 2019. Unlike online casinos, which require players to be 21, you must be at least 18 to register and play at Sportsbook Rhode Island.
Horse racing is legal as well, and two casinos offer racebooks with simulcasting wagering. The state authorized online poker in 2013. However, Bally’s holds a monopoly over RI online gambling. As a result, they haven’t shown interest in offering online poker yet.
Daily Fantasy Sports sites are also accessible to players, as well as pick‘em apps. Some of the leading operators, like DraftKings and FunDuel, offer their DFS platform in the state. DFS sites are still not regulated in Rhode Island, but they are not forbidden either.
You can also join sweepstakes casinos that offer casino-style games you play with virtual currency. The state’s gambling legislation doesn’t cover these sites. However, they operate under sweepstakes laws and are federally approved.
Finally, if you like lotteries and drawing games, you can visit RILOT.com run by the Rhode Island Lottery and purchase tickets online. Keno, Bingo, Powerball, Video Lottery & Table Games, Pull Tab Games, and eInstant games are all available.
History of Gambling in Rhode Island
The history of legal gambling in the Ocean State goes back to 1934, when horse race betting was introduced at two state race tracks, Lincoln Downs and Narragansett Park. However, both of them were closed in the early 1970s.
Rhode Island Lottery was established in 1973 after a constitutional amendment was passed. The following year, the Lottery officially began to operate, and the first drawing for The Lot game was held at the State House. Rhode Island Lottery was also the first in the country to broadcast the lottery draw on television in 1975.
Physical casinos in Rhode Island were approved through voter referendums in 2012 and 2016. In 2012, residents approved full-scale casino gaming at Twin River Casino in Lincoln. Four years later, people also authorized casino gambling at the Tiverton Casino Hotel, which opened on August 30, 2018.
In 2021, lawmakers passed a law giving Bally’s and its partner IGT complete control over gambling with a 20-year no-bid contract to run both Bally’s land-based casinos in Tiverton and Lincoln.
Online sports betting was legalized in March 2019, but the legislation required players to register in person at land-based casinos. The coronavirus pandemic proved that such a model wasn’t convenient, so lawmakers changed this, allowing online registrations.
Finally, iGaming was officially approved in June 2023, and Bally Bet Casino opened its virtual doors to players in March 2024.
FAQs
You must be at least 21 years old to be able to join Bally Bet online casino and play games.
The law from 2023 gave an exclusive online gambling right to Bally’s, so the company operates just one iGaming site called Bally Bet Casino.
Unfortunately, no, you can’t. Bally Bet Casino only provides live dealer table games. The law requires the operator to stream games live directly from their land-based properties.
You can deposit with Visa, Mastercard, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, and ACH. However, you can also make cash deposits at the casino’s Cage. Withdrawal methods are Mastercard Debit, Visa Direct, ACH eCheck, PayPal, and cash at Cage.
No, it doesn’t. Instead, you can claim a 10% deposit match up to $25 when you deposit at least $200. Furthermore, you can qualify for a reload bonus of up to $100 in bonus money within 7 days of your first casino deposit.
