Authority and public resources
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island, United States
The Rhode Island Division of Lotteries, better known as the Rhode Island Lottery, is both the state's gaming regulator and its operator of record. Many people search for it as the Rhode Island Lottery Commission. Officially, it's a division of the state Department of Revenue. The online casino here runs through a single operator, and it went live on March 5, 2024. What’s more, this page covers regulation only. Let’s dive in!
What the RI Lottery Regulates
Regulator and Operator in One
In most states, a regulator licenses private companies and lets them compete. Well, Rhode Island is a bit different. The state runs an online casino itself, with Bally's as its exclusive platform and game merchant.
The Lottery sits inside the Rhode Island Department of Revenue. A director leads it, whom the governor appoints with the Senate's consent. Its first game, "The Lot," went on sale on May 21, 1974. The online casino arrived almost 50 years later.
The Rhode Island Lottery headquarters is at 1425 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920. The main line is (401) 463-6500, open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Our Rhode Island gambling guide covers the state as a whole.
The 2023 iGaming Law
Rhode Island legalized online casinos in June 2023 through Senate Bill 948. The rules now sit in Chapter 42-61.2 of the state's general laws, alongside video lottery, table games, and sports wagering.
The iGaming sections took effect on March 1, 2024. Under them, the Division director writes the Rhode Island Lottery rules and regulations for state-run iGaming. Those rules cover internal controls, online accounts, and the age limit, which is 21. Wagers must also be placed from inside Rhode Island.
Who Licenses What
The Lottery runs and regulates the online casino, but another agency licenses casino staff and vendors. That's the Department of Business Regulation's Division of Gaming and Athletics.
The Rhode Island State Police support both through a Gaming Enforcement Unit. Among other jobs, it handles fingerprinting for those license applications.
See our regulators hub for how other states split these roles.
RI Online Casino License Check
The Official Source
The Rhode Island Lottery's own FAQ page is the quickest official check. It lists iGaming and sports betting at Bally's Twin River Lincoln and Bally's Tiverton, through mobile apps and websites.
The same page confirms that iGaming requires players to be 21 or older.
One Operator, Two Properties
The licensed picture is short. Bally Casino is the only legal real-money online casino in Rhode Island, tied to Bally's Twin River Lincoln and Bally's Tiverton.
It went live at noon on March 5, 2024. There's no competitive market here and no list of brands to compare. Also, Rhode Island Lottery sports betting follows the same model. Online sports wagering runs as Sportsbook Rhode Island, hosted through the same two casinos.
Our Rhode Island online casinos page covers the state's market in more detail.
Signs a Site Is Not Licensed
Any real-money online casino other than Bally Casino isn't licensed in Rhode Island. It’s best to treat any site that claims otherwise as unlicensed.
State law also requires a legal site to confirm you're inside Rhode Island before you bet. A site that never checks your location isn't following Rhode Island's rules. A licensed site will also ask you to open an online gaming account and confirm you're 21 or older.
Our guide on how to spot an unlicensed casino covers more warning signs.
RI Casino Complaints and Self-Exclusion
Complain to Bally's First
Start with Bally Casino's customer support, since they operate your account.
Always make sure to keep copies of your messages and any screenshots related to the issue. This can help you if there is any misunderstanding.
Escalating to the Lottery
If the issue isn't resolved, contact the Division of Lotteries through the feedback form on its contact page. You can also call (401) 463-6500 or write to the headquarters address above.
This is the step most players mean when they search for the Rhode Island Lottery Commission. We couldn't find a published filing deadline, so escalate once Bally's process is done. Note that complaints about a casino worker's or vendor's license belong with the Department of Business Regulation, which handles that licensing.
Our casino complaints guide walks through the process in more detail.
Rhode Island Self-Exclusion
Bally's and the Rhode Island Lottery run a combined self-exclusion program. One form covers both casinos: Sportsbook Rhode Island's online sports wagering and Bally Casino's iGaming.
You can choose one year, five years, or a permanent exclusion. There’s an option to sign the form in front of a casino security director or officer. The Lottery's 24/7 Problem Gambling Hotline is 1-877-942-6253, also listed as 1-877-9GAMBLE. Trained, multilingual professionals staff it.
For more tools and support, see our responsible gambling guide.
Licensed RI Casinos and Sportsbooks
All in all, Rhode Island has one licensed online casino. Bally Casino handles online play for Bally's Twin River Lincoln and Bally's Tiverton.
And online sports betting runs through the same casinos as Sportsbook Rhode Island. Our Bally Casino review covers the casino side in full.
