Existing state laws are directed at penalizing those who actually run the games, not regular players. This means that it's up to Rhode Island to determine its stance on internet poker much as other states do. Thus, the enforcement provisions of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 are wholly irrelevant when discussing online poker.

This is not the case a 2011 Department of Justice letter states that this statute only applies to betting on sports. Some people think that the Wire Act criminalizes online poker at the federal level. Rather than traveling, parking your car, and waiting around for a seat to open up in a game that catches your eye, why not head online and get your fill of poker action whenever you want? You won't have to buy overpriced casino food or pay the exorbitant live rake either. There is a cardroom at the Twin River Casino in Lincoln, but it holds only 16 tables. Fortunately, there are several offshore sites that are ready to accept you as a customer now, so you have plenty of choices when it comes to places to play online. However, the cumbersome way this law was written along with Rhode Island's small size means it will probably be several years before any Rhode Island-licensed internet poker providers actually materialize. Rhode Island has actually passed legislation that appears to make licensed online poker a reality in the state.

You, as a private individual, can partake in Rhode Island online poker on your computer at your home without worry. You can play over the internet from within the Ocean State without any fear that you're breaking the law.

Online poker in Rhode Island is a subject of interest for people in the state who enjoy card games.

Online poker bovada now known aas