Rhode Island Casinos – Best Places to Gamble in RI

Despite being the tiniest state in the nation, Rhode Island offers a plethora of gambling options to its residents. Betting on horse races has been allowed since 1934, but both local tracks went under in the ’70s because of money troubles.

Fast-forward to 1973, Rhode Island amended its constitution and rolled out the state lottery, along with approving pull-tab games and bingo through subsequent referendums. Horse racing returned to Rhode Island later on, with the launch of off-track betting facilities at Lincoln Park and Newport Jai Alai.

In response to the Foxwoods Resort Casino opening in Connecticut, the General Assembly allowed VLTs at those facilities in 1992. It wasn’t until 2012 that table games were introduced in the state. Newport Jai Alai transformed into a VLT parlor in 2003, but was ultimately shut down in 2018 to make room for a new casino in Tiverton. Twin River Casino, formerly Lincoln Park, was renamed in 2007 and is still open today.

Rhode Island’s laws define gambling as “publicly or privately setting up any chance, game, or device for disposing of money or helping others in such actions.” The laws target illegal gambling operators and their employees. Although unauthorized games are not explicitly prohibited, serving as a dealer, banker, or lookout could result in up to two years in jail and a $5,000 fine. Even promoting illegal gambling is deemed a felony and could mean up to two years in prison and a $2,000 fine.

So far, Rhode Island lawmakers have not allowed casino-style online gambling or poker, leaving local gambling fans without access to any legitimate, reliable sites. Rhode Island General Laws § 11-19-1 et seq. and § 41-3-1 et seq. govern all gambling-related issues. The minimum gambling age is 18.

List of Top Gambling Venues in Rhode Island

Related reading: Rhode island online casinos

Best Casinos in Rhode Island

1. Twin River Casino Hotel

Twin River Casino Hotel is a large casino located in Lincoln, Rhode Island, that opened in 2007. It boasts over 162,000 square feet of gaming space, with over 4,000 slot machines and virtual table games, including popular titles such as Wheel of Fortune, Cleopatra, and Lightning Link. The casino also features a range of table games, including blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat, as well as a sportsbook where customers can place bets on a variety of sports.

In addition to gaming, Twin River Casino Hotel also offers a range of dining options, including a steakhouse, a sports bar, and a food court. The hotel portion of the venue features 136 guest rooms and suites, each equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Twin River Casino Hotel also offers a range of amenities, including a fitness center, indoor pool, and spa services. Customers have praised the cleanliness of the facility and the helpfulness of the staff, but some have also complained about the high prices of food and drinks on site.

2. Tiverton Casino Hotel

Tiverton Casino Hotel is a casino located in Tiverton, Rhode Island, that opened in 2018. The venue features over 33,600 square feet of gaming space, with over 1,000 slot machines and virtual table games, including popular titles such as Buffalo Gold, The Walking Dead, and Dragon Link. The casino also offers a variety of table games, including blackjack, craps, and roulette.

In addition to gaming, Tiverton Casino Hotel also offers a range of dining options, including a sports bar, a coffee shop, and a fine dining restaurant. The hotel portion of the venue features 84 guest rooms and suites, each equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Tiverton Casino Hotel also offers a range of amenities, including a fitness center, indoor pool, and spa services. Customers have praised the cleanliness of the facility and the helpfulness of the staff, but some have also complained about the limited number of dining options and the relatively small size of the casino floor.

3. Newport Grand Slots

Newport Grand Slots was a casino located in Newport, Rhode Island, that closed in 2018. The venue featured over 50,000 square feet of gaming space, with over 1,000 slot machines and electronic table games, including popular titles such as Monopoly, Sex and the City, and The Wizard of Oz. The casino also offered a range of live table games, including blackjack, roulette, and craps.

In addition to gaming, Newport Grand Slots also offered a variety of dining options, including a buffet, a café, and a sports bar. However, the venue did not have a hotel or other on-site amenities.

Customers had mixed reviews of Newport Grand Slots, with some praising the selection of slot machines and friendly staff, while others complained about the outdated appearance of the venue and the limited selection of table games. Despite its popularity, the casino was closed and replaced by a new development in 2018.

4. Casino at Roger Williams Park

The Casino at Roger Williams Park is a casino located in Providence, Rhode Island, that opened in 2020. The venue features over 38,000 square feet of gaming space, with over 600 slot machines and electronic table games, including popular titles such as Quick Hit, Buffalo Gold, and Lightning Link. The casino also offers a variety of live table games, including blackjack, roulette, and craps.

In addition to gaming, the Casino at Roger Williams Park also offers a range of dining options, including a food court and a lounge area. However, the venue does not have a hotel or other on-site amenities.

Customers have praised the modern design and cleanliness of the facility, as well as the friendly and helpful staff. However, some have also complained about the limited selection of dining options and the relatively small size of the casino floor compared to other casinos in the state. The Casino at Roger Williams Park is a relatively new addition to the Rhode Island casino scene and is still expanding its offerings.

5. Plainridge Park Casino

Plainridge Park Casino is a casino located in Plainville, Massachusetts, just over the border from Rhode Island. The venue opened in 2015 and features over 106,000 square feet of gaming space, with over 1,200 slot machines and electronic table games, including popular titles such as Wheel of Fortune, Buffalo Gold, and Lightning Link.

In addition to gaming, Plainridge Park Casino also offers a range of dining options, including a steakhouse, a sports bar, and a food court. The venue does not have a hotel, but there are several nearby lodging options.

Customers have praised the clean and well-maintained facility, as well as the helpful staff. However, some have also complained about the limited selection of table games and the relatively high minimum bets on some of the electronic table games. As a casino located in Massachusetts, Plainridge Park Casino operates under slightly different regulations than casinos located within Rhode Island state borders.

Rhode Island Gambling Revenues: A Look into the State’s Gaming Industry

Rhode Island’s gambling industry generates millions of dollars in revenues each year. In 2021, the state’s two casinos, Twin River Casino Hotel and Tiverton Casino Hotel, reported a combined revenue of $365.2 million. These numbers indicate the important role that gambling plays in the state’s economy.

The gambling revenues generated by the casinos are allocated to various state programs and initiatives. One significant recipient of these funds is the state’s general fund, which receives a portion of the revenues to support essential services such as education, public safety, and healthcare. Another portion of the funds goes towards supporting the state’s problem gambling initiatives and providing aid to individuals affected by gambling addiction.

Apart from the general fund and problem gambling initiatives, the state’s gambling revenues also support specific programs such as the state’s sports betting industry. In 2021, the state legalized sports betting, allowing Twin River Casino Hotel and Tiverton Casino Hotel to offer sports betting services to their customers. The revenues generated by sports betting go towards supporting the state’s sports wagering tax, which is used to fund various initiatives related to sports and recreation in the state.

In summary, gambling revenues play a significant role in Rhode Island’s economy and support various state programs and initiatives. From funding the general fund to providing aid for problem gambling, the state’s casinos generate substantial revenues that benefit a range of initiatives and programs. With the recent legalization of sports betting, the state’s gambling industry is poised to continue to generate significant revenues and play a vital role in the state’s economy.

Indian Gaming Tribes in Rhode Island: A Brief History and Overview

Rhode Island is home to two federally recognized Indian gaming tribes, the Narragansett Indian Tribe and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. The Narragansett Indian Tribe has a long history in the state, with roots tracing back to the 1600s. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, on the other hand, is originally from Connecticut but has been operating a casino in Rhode Island since the 1990s.

Despite their shared interest in gaming, the two tribes have had a contentious history. In the early 2000s, the Narragansett Indian Tribe attempted to open a casino in West Warwick, Rhode Island. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation opposed the move, citing concerns about competition and the potential impact on their own gaming operations. The matter eventually went to court, with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation winning the case and effectively preventing the Narragansett Indian Tribe from opening a casino in Rhode Island.

Despite the quarrels between the two tribes, both continue to operate successful gaming establishments in the state. The Narragansett Indian Tribe owns and operates the Twin River Casino Hotel in Lincoln, Rhode Island, while the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation owns and operates the Foxwoods Resort Casino in nearby Connecticut but has a satellite casino in Tiverton, Rhode Island.

In summary, Rhode Island is home to two Indian gaming tribes, the Narragansett Indian Tribe, and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. Although the two tribes have had a contentious history, they both continue to operate successful gaming establishments in the state, contributing to the local economy and providing employment opportunities for many Rhode Islanders.

Indian gaming tribes in Rhode Island:

• Narragansett Indian Tribe
• Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation

The History of Gambling in Rhode Island: From Lotteries to Casinos

Rhode Island has a long history of gambling that dates back to the 1700s. In 1744, the state held its first lottery to raise funds for the construction of a bridge between Newport and Jamestown. By the 1800s, lotteries had become a popular way for the state to fund public projects, including the building of roads, schools, and churches. However, the state banned lotteries in 1844 due to concerns over fraud and corruption.

Despite the ban on lotteries, gambling remained popular in Rhode Island. In the 1930s, the state legalized horse racing and pari-mutuel betting. Lincoln Downs, which opened in 1947, became a popular destination for horse racing enthusiasts. However, horse racing declined in popularity in the 1970s, and Lincoln Downs closed in 1978.

In 1973, Rhode Island voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing for a state lottery. The first Rhode Island Lottery ticket was sold on May 15, 1974. Today, the Rhode Island Lottery offers a variety of games, including scratch tickets, daily numbers games, and multi-state lotteries such as Powerball and Mega Millions. In fiscal year 2021, the Rhode Island Lottery generated $379.2 million in revenue.

In 2012, Rhode Island legalized casino gambling. The Twin River Casino in Lincoln opened in 2013, followed by the Tiverton Casino Hotel in 2018. Both casinos offer table games, slot machines, and sports betting. In fiscal year 2021, the two casinos generated $440.5 million in revenue for the state.

While gambling has provided a significant source of revenue for the state, it has also been a source of controversy. Some argue that gambling can lead to addiction and other social problems. Others point out that casinos provide jobs and stimulate economic growth. Rhode Island has attempted to address these concerns by offering programs to address problem gambling and dedicating a portion of gambling revenue to social services.

In conclusion, Rhode Island’s history of gambling dates back to the colonial era, with lotteries serving as a popular way to fund public projects. The state legalized horse racing in the 1930s, and the lottery in the 1970s. Today, Rhode Island is home to two casinos that generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue each year. While gambling has been a source of controversy, it remains an important part of Rhode Island’s economy.

Understanding Gambling Taxes in Rhode Island: How Much You Owe and How to Pay

If you are a resident of Rhode Island who gambles, it’s important to understand the taxes you owe on your winnings. For starters, Rhode Island taxes all gambling winnings as income. This means that if you win money playing the lottery or at a casino, you must report those winnings on your state income tax return.

Rhode Island’s state income tax rate is 5.99%. So if you win $1,000 playing the lottery, you would owe $59.90 in state income taxes. If you win $10,000 at a casino, you would owe $599.00 in state income taxes.

If you win more than $600 at a casino or bingo hall, the establishment will report your winnings to the IRS using a W-2G form. You will also receive a copy of this form. You must include this form when you file your state income tax return.

If you are a nonresident of Rhode Island who wins money gambling in the state, you must also report those winnings on your state income tax return. However, Rhode Island allows nonresidents to take a credit for taxes paid to another state on gambling winnings. This means that if you pay taxes on your gambling winnings in another state, you can claim a credit for those taxes on your Rhode Island tax return.

In conclusion, if you are a resident of Rhode Island who gambles, you must report your winnings on your state income tax return and pay taxes on those winnings at a rate of 5.99%. If you win more than $600 at a casino or bingo hall, the establishment will report your winnings to the IRS using a W-2G form. Nonresidents who win money gambling in Rhode Island must also report those winnings on their state income tax return, but may be eligible for a credit for taxes paid to another state on gambling winnings. It’s important to understand these rules to avoid penalties and ensure you pay the correct amount of taxes on your gambling winnings.

Rhode Island Gambling FAQ: Answers to Common Questions

How much can you win at Rhode Island casinos before being taxed?

All gambling winnings in Rhode Island are taxed as income, regardless of the amount. This means that if you win any amount of money playing the lottery or at a casino, you must report those winnings on your state income tax return and pay taxes on them at a rate of 5.99%. If you win more than $600 at a casino or bingo hall, the establishment will report your winnings to the IRS using a W-2G form.

How to ban yourself from casinos in Rhode Island?

If you feel that you have a gambling problem and want to exclude yourself from Rhode Island’s casinos, you can enroll in the state’s self-exclusion program. This program allows you to voluntarily ban yourself from all Rhode Island casinos for a period of one year, five years, or for life. To enroll in the program, you can visit the Rhode Island Lottery website and fill out the self-exclusion application.

Who regulates gambling in Rhode Island?

Gambling in Rhode Island is regulated by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation’s Division of Gaming and Athletics. This agency oversees all aspects of gambling in the state, including the Rhode Island Lottery and the two casinos, Twin River Casino and Tiverton Casino Hotel.

What is the minimum gambling age in Rhode Island?

The minimum gambling age in Rhode Island is 18 years old for all types of gambling, including the lottery and casino gambling. However, you must be 21 years old to purchase or consume alcohol on casino property.

Can I gamble online in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island allows online sports betting through the state’s two casinos, Twin River Casino and Tiverton Casino Hotel. However, online casino games and poker are not currently legal in the state.

What types of gambling are legal in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island allows a variety of gambling activities, including the state lottery, horse racing, and casino gambling. The two casinos in the state, Twin River Casino and Tiverton Casino Hotel, offer a range of games including slot machines, table games, and sports betting.

How many casinos are there in Rhode Island?

There are two casinos in Rhode Island, both owned and operated by the Twin River Management Group. Twin River Casino is located in Lincoln, while Tiverton Casino Hotel is located in Tiverton.

Can I deduct gambling losses on my taxes in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island allows taxpayers to deduct gambling losses on their state income tax return, but only to the extent of their gambling winnings. This means that you can only deduct gambling losses up to the amount of your gambling winnings. You must also keep accurate records of your gambling losses, including the date and type of gambling activity, the name and location of the establishment, and the amount of the loss.