Rhode Island offers various forms of betting, including a healthy lottery run by the state, with participation in several multi-jurisdictional games like Mega Millions and Powerball. Though it does not have any laws strictly outlawing online betting and lotto play, it does not have any approved providers either, so it is effectively banned in the state at the moment. One positive sign for a future online lotto is this: Lawmakers in the state were fast to approve sports betting after the recent PASPA ruling, and online betting will come to the state by the end of 2019. Online lotto could soon follow suit.

At the moment, there are no legal online lotteries available in Rhode Island, despite the popularity and diversity of in-person lotto. But Rhode Island was quick to respond to the recent PASPA ruling with extensive sports betting legislation, and a recent adaptation to allow for online betting as well. This could be a positive sign that online lotto is not far behind.

Legal Online Lotteries Available in the USA

Rhode Island offers a wide variety of lotteries from licensed retailers, but no online lottos are legal in the state currently. If online play is eventually legalized, its residents could take part in draws anywhere where they have their mobile devices. With billions of dollars in payouts since their creations, draws like Powerball and Lucky for Life have become extremely popular, especially in states where online play is available. Follow this page for updates as Rhode Island online lotto laws progress.

US Powerball

Powerball is among the most loved and played lotteries in the US. It was launched in 1992 and since then has expanded in more than twenty states. The minimum jackpot that you can win is 40 million dollars, while the biggest amount ever won was $1.586 billion that was split between three players in 2016.

Mega Millions

Mega Millions, or ‘The Big Game’ as it was called when it was launched, back in 1996, is the most spread and played lotto, available in more than 44 jurisdictions. The draws are held on Tuesdays and Fridays, in the evenings. The minimum jackpot is set at $40 million, while the biggest win ever was $1.537 billion.

Lucky for Life

In 2009, in Connecticut, the lotto Lucky for Life was launched and quickly became a favourite game of millions. Now it is played in 25 of the states and its advertisement is that if you hit the jackpot you will be getting $1000 per day for the rest of your life. Still, players can also choose a cash prize, and it 2015 such was valued at $5,750,000.

Lottery Regulator in Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s lottery has raised a substantial amount of money since its founding in the early ‘70s. Since then, it has transferred nearly $7 billion to the state’s General Fund. Rather than specifically allocating lotto revenue to education or another project as some states do, Rhode Island’s lotto revenue helps to fund a variety of projects including education, health care, public safety, and environmental.

History of Rhode Island Lottery

As a New England state with a lengthy history, it’s understandable that Rhode Island’s stance towards gambling has fluctuated greatly over time. Lotteries actually helped to fund the state’s activities to a significant degree in the 1700s and 1800s. But that came to a halt when Rhode Island banned all forms of gambling in 1896. Lottery was finally reintroduced in 1973, and has grown substantially, offering a wide variety of games and video terminals

Famous Winners – Rainbow Sherbet Forever

In 2012, 81-year-old Louise White got a sweet surprise when she checked the ticket she had bought during a family outing for rainbow sherbet. She almost had not gotten to buy a ticket that day, when another family member was unable to bring her to the store. Luckily, that changed later when they all had a dessert-craving and Louise managed to buy her winning ticket. The jackpot was worth a whopping $336 million, and she reported happily that they’ll have no shortage of sherbet in the future.

Online Lotto Legal Age in Rhode Island

For now, unfortunately, online lottery is illegal in Rhode Island. The minimum age to play the regular version is 18 and it’s an almost sure bet that eventually the same will be adopted for online betting as well. There are very strong verification procedures related to the age and the law is very strict, as are the sanctions.

• Lottery Age
  There is no legal online lottery age in Rhode Island as it is currently illegal
• Alcohol Age
  The legal drinking age is 21 in Rhode Island.
• Weed Age
  There is no legal recreational cannabis age in Rhode Island as it is currently illegal.

Is Online Lotto Legal When You Are Out of the State?

Since Rhode Island does not currently offer online lotto, keen players may have better luck going to states where online lotto is already legalized, like Illinois and Kentucky. Players should be aware of restrictions within those states regarding collecting earnings. Find out more on our main lottery page.

The Best Lottery Mobile App

If at one moment the online lotto gets legalized in Rhode Island, players will be able to enjoy impeccable apps and mobile friendly websites. They work both for Android and for iOS devices and the look is almost the same as in the normal desktop version. The only thing that actually changes is the size and that some menus might be hidden and you will have to click on them in order to see the content.

Online Lottery Promotions to Take Advantage Of

The promotions that you can grab once online lottery becomes legal are even better than the possibility to play on the go. The operators are quite creative and offer different things like match ups to your deposit, free tickets for some draws and so on. If you want to explore also other gambling products which can reward you with bonuses, you can see our page for Rhode Island gambling.

Taxes on Lotto Winnings in Rhode Island

The taxes on lottery winnings in Rhode Island is 5.99% on amounts that go over $5,00. Furthermore, since the winnings are considered an income, they are taxed at a 25% rate by the IRS too. Of course, we cannot say that the same will be applied for online lottery, but just like with the legal age – it’s a safe bet. For more information you can check the page of the Division of Taxation.

Upcoming Regulation Changes for Online Lottery

Rhode Island does not have any bills in progress regarding legalizing online lottery, but that does not mean it is far off. On the contrary, the state is likely to become more interested as other states offer enticing online lotto options and see the revenue benefits. Since the 2011 decision on the Federal Wire Act, the path has been opened to legalize online lotto nationwide. The state was also quick to respond to the PASPA ruling, with extensive legislation on sports betting. Perhaps online lotto will be next on the docket!

There are no rumors about new legislation or bills regarding lottery and other gambling products. This, though, doesn’t mean that Rhode Island will never legalize online lotto. The Federal Wire Act and the PASPA ruling gave a lot of space for changes and this gives hope to all gamblers. Thanks to this legislation, you can play the lottery online in Michigan and various other states. So, Rhode Island may follow the example of these states in the future.

Lottery Guides for Nearby States

• Connecticut
• New Jersey
• New York
• Massachusetts