If you are looking to play online lottery games in Rhode Island, you are in luck (depending on the type of game you want to play, that is). You can play a wide range of instant win games and keno games via the official Rhode Island Lottery app or the website.
This page explains everything you need to know about playing online lottery games in the Ocean State. We will highlight the games you can play, break down the bonuses you can claim, and discuss the payment options at your disposal if you win a prize.
Options for playing online lottery games in Rhode Island
If you want to play online lottery games in Rhode Island, you have two options:
- Play at the Rhode Island Lottery website
- Download the Rhode Island Lottery app.
Rhode Island does not currently allow online lottery courier services like Jackpocket or Jackpot.com to sell tickets in the state. That means you will need to use the official Rhode Island Lottery digital platforms to play online lottery games.
How to create an account
The Rhode Island Lottery offers two different accounts:
VIP Club
This account allows you to enter second chance drawings, unlock promotions, and receive draw results and news online.
VIP + Purchase Power
You need a VIP + Purchase Power account if you would like to make deposits, play online lottery games, and withdraw your winnings online. This account also offers the same benefits of the VIP Club account, including results, promos, and second chance drawings.
If you would like to create a VIP + Purchase Power account, follow these steps:
Visit the Rhode Island Lottery website and select the green “Register” button at the top of the homepage.
Enter your email address and select a password.
Provide your full name, address, gender, date of birth, and phone number.
Set up security questions and answers.
Choose your notification preferences and accept the terms and conditions.
Check the box that reads: “Yes, I would like a VIP+ Purchase Power account so I can play Lottery online.”
Hit the “Finish Registration” button to submit the form.
Your new account should be automatically approved if you entered your details correctly. You can then make a deposit, claim the welcome bonus, and start playing keno or eInstants.
Rules and regulations
The Rhode Island Lottery Commission regulates online lottery games in the Ocean State. This autonomous government body has laid down strict rules, which are designed to protect players and ensure all games are fair and secure.
These are some of the key rules to consider before playing online lottery games in Rhode Island:
- You must be 18 or older to play games at on the Rhode Island Lottery app or website.
- Players must also be physically located within the borders of Rhode Island to play these games online.
- However, you do not need to be a Rhode Island resident. If you are visiting Rhode Island, you can play iLottery games.
You will need to verify your location before playing online lottery games. If you are using a phone, turn on the location services. If you are using a computer, you will need to use a geolocation plugin.
Deposits and withdrawals
You will need to deposit funds into your VIP + Purchase Power account before playing online lottery games. The minimum deposit is $10, and the maximum is $200 per transaction.
There are two deposit options:
- Debit card
- ACH/e-check via VIP Preferred
Debit card payments are instant, and there are no fees to pay.
E-check payments are also free and instant. You just need to enroll in the Global Payments VIP Preferred e-check service, which is a simple process.
The Rhode Island iLottery does not accept credit card payments. This is to promote responsible gaming while playing the lottery online.
Deposited funds can only be used to play games. They cannot be withdrawn. However, you can withdraw any winnings that you earn. Prizes of up to $600 will be credited to your online account, and they can be withdrawn immediately. Any iLottery prizes of $600 and above must be redeemed at the Rhode Island Lottery headquarters in Cranston. You will need to provide a valid, government-issued photo ID and your Social Security Number.
If you withdraw online, you have two options:
- Withdraw via an ACH payment. This requires you to have made at least one verified VIP Preferred e-check deposit.
- Call the iLottery Player Support Line (1-800-288-2485) and request a paper check in the mail.
There are no minimum withdrawal limits, and all withdrawals are free of charge.
Fees
There are no fees to pay if you play online lottery games in Rhode Island. The lottery does not charge any deposit fees, withdrawal fees, or ongoing membership fees.
Promotions and Bonuses
New players can claim a 50% first deposit bonus worth up to $50 after signing up for a Rhode Island iLottery account.
You simply need to make an initial deposit of $10 or more to qualify. The Rhode Island Lottery will match 50% of your initial deposit with bonus credits.
For example, if you make a $100 deposit, you will receive $50 in bonus money, taking your account balance to $150. You just need to play the bonus funds through a single time, and any winnings you earn will be paid in withdrawable cash. Compared to other government-run lotteries, this total bonus amount is low, but the 1x wagering requirement makes up for that fact.
There are also ongoing promos for existing users, such as second chance drawings. Just select the “Promotions” tab in the “Player Zone” section of RILOT.com or the app for details of these offers.
Online lottery games available in Rhode Island
There are two game options available to VIP + Purchase Power account holders: keno and eInstants.
Keno games are drawn every four minutes from 5:00 a.m. to 12:44 a.m. on Monday through Saturday, and 7:00 a.m. to 12:44 a.m. on Sunday each week.
You simply need to choose up to 10 numbers from 1-80. If one or more of your numbers are drawn, you will win a prize.
It is quick and easy to buy keno tickets on the Rhode Island Lottery site or the app. You can select your own numbers or opt for “Quick Pick,” which will randomly assign you numbers. Choose a bet amount of $1, $2, $5, or $10 per game, and decide whether you want to add Keno Plus or Keno overtime options.
You can win up to $100,000 on regular keno, $500,000 on Keno Overtime, and $1 million on Keno Plus.
einstants are similar to the scratchers that you can buy at convenience stores and gas stations in Rhode Island. However, instead of scratching off the latex coating, you just need to press a button to reveal the results.
There are more than 70 eInstants on the Rhode Island Lottery app and the website. They are divided into 12 categories: arcade, bingo, casino, click and win, crossword, extended play, fast play, money, reel, seasonal, tic tac toe, and whimsical.
You can play from $0.50 to $20, and some of the games have fixed jackpots of up to $200. The best games include Sports Stars, Jurassic Gems, Meow Money, Ocean Pearl, Fishing for Gold, and Lucky Coins. You can try out any of these games for free in demo mode before playing for real money, if you like.
You cannot play multi-state draw games on in-state draw games (such as Powerball, Mega Millions, Lucky for Life, The Numbers, and Wild Money) online in Rhode Island. This is quite surprising. Indeed, of all the states with online lottery games in the US, Rhode Island is the only one that does not offer draw games.
Other lottery games you cannot play online in Rhode Island
Here are more lottery games that you cannot play online in Rhode Island right now:
- Scratchers
- Pull-tabs
If you want to play those games (as well as draw games), you will need to find a retailer in your neighborhood.
Is it safe to play the lottery online in Rhode Island?
Yes, it is safe to play the lottery online in Rhode Island. Just make sure you only play games on the Rhode Island Lottery app or website, as they are the only regulated platforms.
The Rhode Island Lottery servers are protected by firewalls and other industry-standard security measures. Sensitive data is encrypted, and measures are put in place to prevent unauthorized access.
However, it is important to select a strong, unique password. Do not share the password with anyone and change it on a reasonably regular basis. It is also prudent to avoid signing into your account on a public computer. Following those basic security measures should ensure that you have no issues when playing the lottery online in Rhode Island.
What do Rhode Island’s lottery proceeds support?
All revenue earned from lottery sales is transferred to the State General Fund. These are some of the ways in which the money is used:
- Tax relief for Rhode Islanders
- Education services
- Public safety and law enforcement
- Human services
The Rhode Island Lottery will return a significant chunk of its gross revenue to players in the form of prizes. At least 45% must be returned, and prize payout percentages can go up to 72%. Some of the gross revenue will also be used for retailer commissions and general operating expenses, and the net revenue is then turned over by statute to the State General Fund.
The Lottery paid $434.7 million to the State General Fund in the last fiscal year. However, that also includes revenue from sports betting, casinos, and video lottery games, as the Rhode Island Lottery regulates all forms of gambling in the state.
Responsible gambling resources available for Rhode Island Residents
The Rhode Island Lottery offers a detailed responsible gambling section. Players will find a list of potential signs that could indicate a gambling problem, along with a questionnaire.
If you need support with a gambling problem, call 1-877-9GAMBLE. This 24/7 problem gambling hotline is sponsored by the Rhode Island Lottery. You can also visit the Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling site for information on the local prevention and treatment resources that you can access.
In terms of tools within the platform, the Rhode Island Lottery allows you to impose deposit limits on your own account. That can help you stick to a budget when playing online lottery games. You can also set session limits, which prevent you from playing after you have spent a certain amount of time on the Rhode Island Lottery app or the website.
A brief history of iLottery in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Lottery was established in 1973 after lawmakers approved a constitutional amendment. Tickets for the first draw game, The Lot, went on sale in May 1974.
In 2020, the Rhode Island Lottery launched internet lottery (iLottery) games in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Ocean State was facing an estimated $800 million budget shortfall in the 2020 fiscal year, with lottery revenues projected to fall by $130 million, so officials decided to launch online lottery games in a bid to stem the decline.
Keno and eInstants were launched via the new Rhode Island Lottery app and website. Draw games have not yet been added, but new eInstants have been launched on a regular basis since 2020.
Latest news about the online lottery in Rhode Island
Online Sales Helping Boost Rhode Island Lottery To Record Numbers
October 2, 2024 |The Rhode Island Lottery saw a record year of traditional sales in FY24 aided by its online games, including eInstants and iKeno.
Anniversaries, Sports Deals Provide Opportunity For Localized Lottery Games
July 9, 2024 |The last year has seen a variety of state-run lotteries produce localized games thanks to anniversaries or partnerships with sports teams.
Looking Back At 50 Years Of The Rhode Island Lottery
June 27, 2024 |Last month, the Rhode Island Lottery celebrated its 50th anniversary. Here's a look at some of its memorable milestones over the last 50 years.
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