Are Prediction Markets Legal in Rhode Island?
Status as of October 3, 2026: Available, dispute pending. What the courts and the state have done, with dated sources.
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Quick Verdict: Available, dispute pending
Kalshi, Polymarket US, ProphetX, OG and Novig: Available, dispute pending. Rhode Island's Attorney General sued prediction market operators in state court in May 2026 and the CFTC moved to intervene; no court order blocks the platforms. (source (opens in a new tab))
Nationally: Federal appeals courts are split on sports event contracts, all at the preliminary-injunction stage: the Third Circuit sided with Kalshi (Apr 6, 2026), the Ninth (Aug 28, 2026) and Sixth (Sep 25, 2026) sided with the states, and three Supreme Court petitions (Nos. 26-299, 26-338, 26-344) are pending; none has been granted.
- Status (as of October 3, 2026): Kalshi, Polymarket US, ProphetX, OG and Novig: Available, dispute pending.
- Why: Rhode Island's Attorney General sued prediction market operators in state court in May 2026 and the CFTC moved to intervene; no court order blocks the platforms.
- Welcome offers that apply to Rhode Island residents (partner terms of Oct 1, 2026): Kalshi, Polymarket US, ProphetX, OG, Novig, Rebet.
- Age: Kalshi, Polymarket US, OG and Rebet set 18 as the minimum (ProphetX: 18 or the local age of majority if higher); Novig sets 21. We recommend 21+.
- Status describes whether each platform accepts Rhode Island residents, not whether trading is legal. We do not give legal advice.
Best offer right now
Kalshi
Score 92/100
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Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions at kalshi.com/tc/500. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.
Full offer details →Rhode Island operates a single-operator state-monopoly mobile sportsbook structurally similar to Oregon's. The Rhode Island Lottery contracts with IGT (International Game Technology) (opens in a new tab) as the platform provider, with Bally's Corporation operating the customer-facing Sportsbook Rhode Island product under exclusive license. No other commercial operator can offer mobile sports betting to RI residents. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET, Fanatics Sportsbook — all locked out.
The result mirrors Oregon: CFTC-regulated prediction markets are the only competitive alternative for RI bettors who want choice in pricing, market depth, or product range outside Sportsbook RI. And because DK, FD and Fanatics were all locked out of the RI mobile sportsbook market, all three of their CFTC predictions products (DK Predictions, FD Predicts, Fanatics Markets) are available to RI residents — there are no in-state sportsbook licenses to protect.
Why Rhode Island's Monopoly Structure Makes Prediction Markets Strategically Important
Three reasons (parallel to Oregon):
- No multi-operator competition pressure on Sportsbook RI. Without competing operators driving promo offers, market range and pricing improvements, Sportsbook RI bettors have limited choice. CFTC platforms fill the gap.
- All major prediction-market operators are available. DK Predictions, FD Predicts and Fanatics Markets are all live in RI because none of their parent companies hold RI sportsbook licenses to protect. RI is one of the most platform-rich states.
- The RI Lottery cannot prohibit federally-regulated CFTC derivatives.
What Rhode Island Residents Can Trade Right Now
Everything.
- Sports: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and college football and basketball, including each game and season futures.
- Politics and elections: control of Congress, governor races and the 2028 presidential race.
- Economics: Fed rate decisions, inflation (CPI) and jobs reports.
- Weather, culture and crypto: temperatures, awards shows, box office and Bitcoin price ranges.
RI-specific market depth is strongest on New England Patriots (NFL — RI is the smallest NE state and Patriots are the regional team), Boston Red Sox (MLB), Boston Celtics (NBA), Boston Bruins (NHL) and Providence Friars (NCAA basketball).
Best Prediction Market Platforms for RI Residents
Kalshi — Full catalog. CFTC Designated Contract Market.
DraftKings Predictions, FanDuel Predicts, Fanatics Markets — All available (no RI sportsbook licenses to protect).
Eligibility Checklist for RI Residents
- 18+ on CFTC-regulated prediction market platforms (Sportsbook RI: 18+).
- Government ID + SSN for KYC verification.
- US bank account or debit card.
Tax Treatment for RI Residents
- Federal: taxable, but the IRS↗ (opens in a new tab) hasn't issued guidance on event contracts; tax professionals argue for gambling income, capital gains or Section 1256 (60/40).
- Rhode Island state: RI state income tax (3.75%–5.99%) applies to taxable gains.
What could change the status
Dates we are watching: Nevada's responses to the Robinhood and Crypto.com Supreme Court petitions are now due November 13 and 16, 2026 (both extended in October), and Kalshi's response to New Jersey's petition is due November 9, 2026 (deadlines can be extended); the earliest the Supreme Court could act on the petitions is a conference in December 2026 or January 2027 (our estimate, not a scheduled date). We re-check this page when any of these happen and log the change above.
Sources
- The Hill: Lawmakers ramp up fight against sports betting on prediction markets (opens in a new tab)
- Holland & Knight: Federal Appeals Court: CFTC Jurisdiction Over Sports Event Contracts (opens in a new tab)
Status in Rhode Island as of October 3, 2026
| Platform | Status | Why (source) | Welcome offer in Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kalshi | Available, dispute pending | Kalshi accepts Rhode Island residents; Rhode Island's Attorney General sued prediction market operators in state court in May 2026 and the CFTC moved to intervene; no court order blocks the platforms. (source (opens in a new tab)) | Valid: Trade $25 and Get $25! |
| Polymarket US | Available, dispute pending | Polymarket US accepts Rhode Island residents; Rhode Island's Attorney General sued prediction market operators in state court in May 2026 and the CFTC moved to intervene; no court order blocks the platforms. (source (opens in a new tab)) | Valid: Deposit $10 get a $25 Trading Bonus! |
| ProphetX | Available, dispute pending | ProphetX accepts Rhode Island residents; Rhode Island's Attorney General sued prediction market operators in state court in May 2026 and the CFTC moved to intervene; no court order blocks the platforms. (source (opens in a new tab)) | Valid: Trade $50, Earn $75! |
| OG (by Crypto.com) | Available, dispute pending | OG accepts Rhode Island residents; Rhode Island's Attorney General sued prediction market operators in state court in May 2026 and the CFTC moved to intervene; no court order blocks the platforms. (source (opens in a new tab)) | Valid: Trade $25 Get $50 in Rewards! (New users only) |
| Novig | Available, dispute pending | Novig accepts Rhode Island residents; Rhode Island's Attorney General sued prediction market operators in state court in May 2026 and the CFTC moved to intervene; no court order blocks the platforms. (source (opens in a new tab)) | Valid: Deposit $10 Get $50 in Trade Credits! |
| Rebet | Available, dispute pending | Rebet is a sweepstakes app, not a CFTC-regulated exchange; its sweepstakes rules include Rhode Island. (source (opens in a new tab)) | Valid: Get a 100% purchase match up to $100! |
What changed (newest first)
- Sep 25, 2026 (federal) — Sixth Circuit rules against Kalshi in Ohio and Tennessee appeals. Source: U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit (opinion, Nos. 26-3196/26-5235) (opens in a new tab)
- Sep 11, 2026 (federal) — Crypto.com asks Supreme Court to review Ninth Circuit ruling (No. 26-344). Source: Supreme Court of the United States, docket No. 26-344 (opens in a new tab)
- Sep 10, 2026 (federal) — Kalshi seeks Ninth Circuit rehearing; Robinhood petitions Supreme Court. Source: Sports Betting Dime (opens in a new tab)
- Sep 2, 2026 (federal) — New Jersey asks U.S. Supreme Court to review Kalshi preemption ruling. Source: New Jersey Office of the Attorney General (opens in a new tab)
- Aug 28, 2026 (federal) — Ninth Circuit rules for Nevada regulators in Kalshi case. Source: U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (opinion, No. 25-7516) (opens in a new tab)
- May 28, 2026 — CFTC moves to intervene in Rhode Island prediction market litigation. After Rhode Island's attorney general filed state-court suits against prediction market operators the previous week, the CFTC moved to intervene in a related federal case to stop state enforcement. Source: CFTC press release 9238-26 (opens in a new tab)
- Apr 6, 2026 (federal) — Third Circuit sides with Kalshi against New Jersey regulators. Source: U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (opinion, No. 25-1922) (opens in a new tab)
Prediction markets in other states
- Alaska
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wyoming
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Puerto Rico
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Washington DC
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
§ References & Sources
- Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) (opens in a new tab)— U.S. federal regulator
- CFTC Designated Contract Markets list (opens in a new tab)— CFTC
- 26 U.S. Code § 1256 — Section 1256 contracts marked to market (opens in a new tab)— Cornell Law / U.S. Code
- IRS Form 6781 — Gains and Losses From Section 1256 Contracts (opens in a new tab)— Internal Revenue Service
- National Council on Problem Gambling — 1-800-GAMBLER (opens in a new tab)— NCPG
Frequently asked questions
Are prediction markets legal in Rhode Island?
We don't give legal verdicts, but here is the status as of October 3, 2026: Kalshi, Polymarket US, ProphetX, OG and Novig: Available, dispute pending. Rhode Island's Attorney General sued prediction market operators in state court in May 2026 and the CFTC moved to intervene; no court order blocks the platforms. Nationally, federal appeals courts are split on sports event contracts, all at the preliminary-injunction stage, and three Supreme Court petitions are pending; none has been granted.
Can I use Kalshi in Rhode Island?
Status as of October 3, 2026: Available, dispute pending. Kalshi accepts Rhode Island residents; Rhode Island's Attorney General sued prediction market operators in state court in May 2026 and the CFTC moved to intervene; no court order blocks the platforms. Kalshi's welcome offer (Trade $25 and Get $25!) applies to Rhode Island residents. Kalshi's minimum age is 18; we recommend 21+.
What has Rhode Island done about prediction markets?
Rhode Island's Attorney General sued prediction market operators in state court in May 2026 and the CFTC moved to intervene; no court order blocks the platforms. Most recent entries in our timeline: May 28, 2026: CFTC moves to intervene in Rhode Island prediction market litigation. Each entry above links to its source.
What could change the status in Rhode Island?
Dates we are watching: Nevada's responses to the Robinhood and Crypto.com Supreme Court petitions are now due November 13 and 16, 2026 (both extended in October), and Kalshi's response to New Jersey's petition is due November 9, 2026 (deadlines can be extended); the earliest the Supreme Court could act on the petitions is a conference in December 2026 or January 2027 (our estimate, not a scheduled date). We re-check this page when any of these happen and log the change above.
21+ · T&Cs apply · Terms
Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions at kalshi.com/tc/500. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.