Rhode Island Set to Launch Online Casinos in March

    Rhode Island
    Article by : Erik Gibbs Jan 24, 2024

    March 1st heralds the dawn of online casino gaming in Rhode Island, thrusting the state into the vanguard as the seventh in the nation to embrace this legalized form of gambling.

    The impending launch date has been affirmed by Paul Grimaldi, the spokesperson for the Rhode Island Department of Revenue (RIDOR), although the specific details remain shrouded in uncertainty.

    The Rhode Island Lottery, functioning as a division of RIDOR and tasked with gaming regulation, will be at the helm, overseeing and administering this novel industry.

    Bally’s Corporation, headquartered in Providence and currently overseeing the state’s only two physical casinos, is set to extend its monopoly into the digital sphere as the exclusive operator of iGaming.

    Notably, Bally’s has been at the helm of the state’s solitary online sports betting platform since September 2019, solidifying its pivotal role in Rhode Island’s evolving gambling landscape.

    In preparation for a debut on March 1st in some form, Grimaldi communicated with Poker Industry PRO.

    There is a suggestion that more details might be shared after the state Lottery Commission meeting set for January 22. It’s noteworthy that Grimaldi chose not to disclose the identity of the forthcoming iGaming platform.

    With the March 1st timeline, the beginning of online casino gaming is just around the corner, roughly within six weeks.

    However, a prior report indicates that the thrill of live dealer games won’t grace the scene until April 1st. Meanwhile, online poker enthusiasts may find themselves in anticipation for an even more extended period.

    Ahead of the imminent launch, Bally’s revealed its collaboration with supplier Stakelogic in September of the previous year.

    This partnership came on the heels of the approval of the Rhode Island iGaming bill on June 22, mandating the use of live dealers for all online table games.

    Under the terms of the partnership, Bally’s will utilize Stakelogic’s software and studio technology to introduce Bally’s live casino experience in North America.

    In April 2024, the casino and gaming operator will provide a selection of popular online live casino games, including Blackjack, Roulette and Baccarat, in Rhode Island.