Rhode Island Latest U.S State to Legalize iGaming

Bally’s Corporation is launching an online casino product in Rhode Island, the latest U.S. state to allow people to legally play digital slots and table games.

Online poker and casino games were signed into law in Nevada in 2013. Since then, only six U.S. states—New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Delaware—have launched their own legal online casino markets.

Following a four-day trial that started March 1, Bally’s Online Casino went live. This means Rhode Islanders can gamble for real money on 170 slots, live dealer games, and table games through their mobile and desktop devices.

Bally’s Has a Monopoly In Rhode Island

It was only in June 2023 that the state’s bill, making iGaming legal, was signed into law by Rhode Island’s governor, Dan McKee. Bally’s runs both the state’s land-based casinos—Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort and Bally’s Tiverton Casino & Hotel, and now that monopoly has been transferred to the digital gaming arena. IGT is Bally’s gaming supplier.

Gambling activities in Rhode Island are regulated by the Rhode Island Lottery, which has operated a gambling monopoly in the state since 2021.

Record Online Casino Revenues 

The law imposes 50% tax rates on slots and 18% on poker. Individuals don’t have to reside in Rhode Island to place bets, but they must be physically present in the state to place them.

Rhode Island saw a dip in sports betting revenues in January compared to December—$44.8 million, down from $47.9 million. Despite the limited number of U.S. states where it’s regulated, online casinos are growing, with a revenue record of $6.17 billion in total earnings in 2023, a year-to-year increase of 22.9%.