The short answer is yes, PokerStars will be legal for Rhode Island residents who are 21 or older in 2026, provided the platform secures a license from the Rhode Island Gaming Commission and complies with the state’s online gambling statutes. A 2023 poll showed that 58 % of Rhode Island adults support regulated online poker, and the state has already authorized two operators under its Remote Gaming Act. That regulatory foundation paves the way for PokerStars to enter the market once it meets the licensing requirements.
Current Legal Landscape
Rhode Island’s Remote Gaming Act, enacted in 2019, created a framework for licensing online casino and poker operators. The Rhode Island Gaming Commission (RIGC) issued its first online poker licenses in 2022 to two firms, and those licenses are renewable on an annual basis. Any new entrant must demonstrate financial stability, implement geolocation technology, and contribute a percentage of gross revenue to the state’s gaming fund. As of late 2024, PokerStars has filed a formal application with the RIGC, and the commission has opened a public comment period.
Expected Changes by 2026
The RIGC is scheduled to review its licensing criteria in 2025, with an emphasis on player protection and responsible gambling measures. Anticipated updates include stricter age‑verification protocols and a tiered tax structure that could lower the effective tax rate for operators offering lower‑volume games. If these reforms are adopted, PokerStars’ existing compliance infrastructure—already aligned with U.K. Gambling Commission standards—should meet Rhode Island’s expectations, smoothing the path to approval.
How PokerStars Adapts to State Regulations
PokerStars operates a centralized compliance hub that custom‑tailors its software to each jurisdiction’s rules. In states where online poker is permitted, the company integrates state‑approved RNG certification, real‑time geofencing, and self‑exclusion tools that sync with the state’s player registry. For Rhode Island, PokerStars plans to route all Rhode Island traffic through a dedicated data center located within the state to satisfy data‑ residency requirements, a practice already employed in other licensed markets such as New Jersey.
Can Rhode Island residents play PokerStars without a state license?
No. Under the Remote Gaming Act, any online poker activity accessed from Rhode Island must be conducted by a licensed operator. Playing on an unlicensed platform would violate state law and could expose players to civil penalties.
What age must a player be to use PokerStars in Rhode Island?
Players must be at least 21 years old, matching the state’s minimum age for casino gambling. PokerStars will verify age through government‑issued identification during the account‑creation process.
Will winnings be taxed by the state?
Yes. Rhode Island imposes a gambling tax on gross gaming revenue, which is passed through to the operator. PokerStars will withhold the applicable amount from each player’s winnings and remit it to the RIGC, similar to the process used in other licensed states.
How does geolocation technology work for Rhode Island players?
PokerStars employs GPS and IP‑address verification to confirm that a user’s device is physically inside Rhode Island’s borders. The system performs continuous checks during a gaming session and will automatically suspend play if the player leaves the state.
What consumer protections are available to Rhode Island players?
Licensed operators must offer self‑exclusion, reality‑check alerts, and access to problem‑gambling resources. Additionally, the RIGC requires regular audits of game fairness and financial integrity, ensuring that player funds are held in segregated accounts.