Bingo in Rhode Island: Laws, Halls & Online Bingo (2026 Guide)

Is bingo legal in Rhode Island?

Yes. Rhode Island permits bingo run by charitable organizations under Chapter 11-19 of the General Laws, the same chapter that makes most other gambling a crime. It’s a two-step approval: the organization is first approved by the State Police, then gets a license from its local licensing authority in the city or town where the game will be played.

The Division of State Police has the regulatory role. Under section 11-19-41 it oversees how games are run, how prizes are paid, the equipment used, and the businesses that sell or rent bingo supplies, and it can suspend or revoke a license after a hearing.

How old do you have to be to play bingo in Rhode Island?

18. Section 11-19-32 says plainly that no one under 18 may play. That applies to charity bingo at churches, veterans’ posts, fire companies and other approved groups.

Rhode Island’s two commercial casinos, Bally’s Twin River Lincoln and Bally’s Tiverton, set their own entry rules under separate laws. Free bingo with no prizes of value, like a family game at home, isn’t covered by the age rule.

Can you play online bingo for real money in Rhode Island?

No. Rhode Island did legalize online casino play in 2023, run through the state’s lottery system with Bally’s as the operator. That law covers online slots and table games. It didn’t create online bingo, and charity bingo law is written around games on the organization’s own premises.

If you want to play bingo on your phone, stick to free or social apps where nothing of cash value is at stake. Our online bingo guide explains the main types of sites.

Are sweepstakes bingo sites legal in Rhode Island?

As of October 2026, no Rhode Island law specifically bans sweepstakes casinos or sweepstakes bingo, and we found no public enforcement action against them. Industry trackers updated in summer 2026 show the major dual-currency brands accepting Rhode Island players.

Keep in mind that this is a gray area, not an approval. Neighboring states have moved against these sites, and New York, New Jersey and Tennessee have banned them outright. Our explainer on sweepstakes bingo covers how these sites work and what to watch for.

Where can you play bingo in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island has no tribal casinos with bingo halls. The Narragansett Indian Tribe is federally recognized but doesn’t operate a casino. In practice, bingo here means charity games, which are typically small and local:

• Churches and parish halls, often one night a week
• Veterans’ and fraternal organizations such as VFW and American Legion posts
• Senior housing and senior centers, which state law specifically allows to hold bingo (sections 11-19-32.1 and 11-19-32.2)

We haven’t listed specific halls because we couldn’t confirm current schedules for any of them. Your city or town clerk’s office, which handles local licenses, is a good place to ask which groups currently hold one.

How to run a charity bingo game in Rhode Island

1. Get state approval. Apply for approval as a charitable organization. Chapter 11-19 defines “the department” as the Division of State Police, and the statute sets a $5 application fee.
2. Get a local license. Then apply to your city or town’s licensing authority, which may charge its own fee.
3. Use members to run it. Members run the game. You may hire non-member workers, but nobody in control of the game can be paid from its receipts.
4. Stay inside the limits. Bingo can run no more than twice a calendar week, on your organization’s premises, with only one sponsor per game date.
5. Watch the money. Expenses can’t exceed 25% of annual bingo gross receipts (pull-tab sales are excluded from that calculation), all net receipts go to charitable purposes, and records must be open to inspection.

For planning help, see our bingo fundraiser guide.

Rhode Island’s prize rules

Rhode Island spells out prize limits in more detail than most states:

Ads for a game must list the date, time, place, the sponsoring organization and any bonus pool. New to the game? Start with how to play bingo.

Bingo should be entertainment. If it isn’t anymore, visit our responsible gaming page or call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.