Are Prediction Markets Legal in Rhode Island?

Last updated August 16, 2026. Snapshot — not legal advice.

As of August 16, 2026, the legality of prediction markets in Rhode Island is unresolved — litigation is ongoing with no final ruling yet.

Prediction markets in Rhode Island

Contested — no ruling yet

The Attorney General sued Kalshi and Polymarket (~May 2026); Kalshi countersued in federal court (Rhode Island v. Kalshi & Polymarket), and the CFTC sued the state about a week later. Litigation is ongoing.

Litigation affecting Rhode Island

State of Rhode Island v. KalshiEX LLCRhode Island’s AG sued Kalshi and Polymarket (~May 2026); Kalshi countersued federally and the CFTC then sued the state.

Pending

CFTC intervention in KalshiEx LLC v. Furcolo (D.R.I.)The CFTC moved to intervene in Kalshi’s D.R.I. suit (May 28, 2026), roughly a week after the state’s suit against the platforms — not a standalone filing.

Pending

Sports betting & gambling in Rhode Island

Legal — Online & Retail

Legalized 2018; single-operator model run through the state Lottery The market is regulated by the Rhode Island Lottery (Department of Revenue). Tribal gaming: not a factor.

The federal-vs-state fight

Every entry in this fight turns on the same question: does a prediction-market platform's federal regulation by the CFTC preempt a state's gambling law, or does the state retain authority to restrict it? Courts around the country are answering that question differently — sometimes for the platform, sometimes for the state — and almost every ruling so far is preliminary and under appeal. Treat this page as a snapshot, not a final word.

This page is informational, not legal advice. Nearly every litigation entry referenced here is a preliminary ruling under appeal. Always verify a platform's current, location-specific eligibility directly with the venue before relying on this page.