Rhode Island Casino Guide
Facts About Gambling & Online Casinos in Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s gambling industry is new and exciting to see happening. Competition from nearby states has led to many changes within the small state, including the development of one casino and one site where video gambling is allowed. At all levels, however, before video gambling or table games are allowed, the facility must gain local approval, which restricts how many casino games players will find in Rhode Island.
The Rhode Island Lottery is another way players can gamble. Rhode Island participates in Lucky for Life, MegaMillions Multiplier, the Numbers, Powerball, and Wild Money. In addition, scratch tickets are sold in many convenience stores. Players can also visit participating retailers to play Bingo on the Go, Keno on the Go, and Multi Chance Keno.
History of Gambling in Rhode Island
In 1979, Rhode Island State Police were selected to regulate and enforce the regulations for any charity gambling ranging from poker events to raffles. Bingo was first excluded from this ruling, but due to abuses by bingo organizers, the police were also asked to regulate bingo starting in 1983. Ten years later, charity Las Vegas Nights were removed from police regulation. As of 2015, the Rhode Island State Police still regulate and enforce laws involving Bingo and raffles.
Age Restrictions for Gambling in Rhode Island
The gambling options that do exist in Rhode Island are available to anyone 18 or older.
Rhode Island’s Casino Gambling Outlook
There is a lot of competition to keep up with the growth of the casino industry in neighboring states. With Massachusetts considering opening a new casino very close to Rhode Island’s border, the possible loss in revenue is worrisome. Analysts predict that Rhode Island could lose almost 41 percent in revenues in the next five years if a large casino in southern Massachusetts opens.
As a result, Rhode Island is working on a bill that allows the development of a large hotel near the state lines to hopefully draw casino goers to stay in Rhode Island, bringing much-needed hotel revenue and jobs to the area. The state also captures revenue from two locations where video slots and gambling machines are allowed. One of the two locations even won approval to offer table games. These locations had to win local approval. The hope is that allowing these slots and machines within the state will keep players from heading into Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Local Casinos
Newport Grand Slots
Located in Newport, Newport Grand Slots is the first of two locations that offer video lottery terminals. Games in this two-floor building include video Blackjack, Keno, and Poker. In addition, there is the Mega Hits progressive jackpot machine and some video slots, including the very popular Total Meltdown Slots.
Twin River Casino
Twin River Casino is more like the classic casino players expect to find. In addition to live entertainment in the Event Center, the casino has 80 table games with live dealers near the Blackstone Cigar Bar, 4,500 video slots, and Racebook options.