Are prediction markets legal in Rhode Island?
2026-10-18
Rhode Island's Attorney General sued Kalshi and Polymarket US in May 2026 to stop their sports contracts, and Kalshi sued the state the same month, with the CFTC intervening on its side. The cases are consolidated in federal court, a ruling is pending, and the state has reportedly agreed not to enforce in the meantime.
| Platform | Status in Rhode Island (October 17, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Kalshi | Available — state action contested |
| Polymarket US | Available — state action contested |
| Novig | Available |
| PredictIt | Available |
| Robinhood | Available |
| DraftKings Predictions | Unclear — check the app |
| FanDuel Predicts | Available |
Prediction markets are contested in Rhode Island. As of October 18, 2026, the state’s Attorney General is suing Kalshi and Polymarket US to stop their sports contracts, Kalshi is suing the state with the CFTC’s support, and a federal judge has yet to rule. Both platforms remain available while the case goes on.
Rhode Island’s position
Rhode Island’s lottery runs sports betting: state law says the state “shall implement, operate, conduct, and control sports wagering.” Bets are taken at the state’s casinos and through the Sportsbook RI app, which requires users to be 18+.
The lawsuits
- May 21, 2026: Attorney General Peter Neronha sued Kalshi and Polymarket US (QCX LLC) in state court, seeking a ruling that their sports contracts are illegal gambling, a permanent injunction, and disgorgement of profits. The case was later moved to federal court.
- May 21, 2026: Kalshi sued Rhode Island’s lottery director, Attorney General and gaming administrator in federal court (KalshiEX v. Furcolo).
- May 28, 2026: the CFTC moved to intervene, saying the case is about “whether Rhode Island state officials can usurp the CFTC’s jurisdiction.”
The cases are consolidated before Chief Judge Mary McElroy, who heard all three injunction motions on August 3, 2026 (per Ticker Tracker’s docket summary). Some reports say the state agreed not to enforce while she decides. We found no ruling as of October 18. See is Kalshi legal? and is Polymarket legal?
Other platforms
We found no Rhode Island action naming Novig, PredictIt or Robinhood, though the state’s argument targets sports contracts generally. FanDuel lists Rhode Island in its Predicts offer terms. Compare every state in our legality tracker.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kalshi legal in Rhode Island?
It's available but contested. Rhode Island's Attorney General sued Kalshi on May 21, 2026, and Kalshi sued state officials in federal court the same day (KalshiEX v. Furcolo, D.R.I. 1:26-cv-00327). The CFTC moved to intervene on Kalshi's side. A ruling is pending, and the state reportedly agreed not to enforce meanwhile.
Is Polymarket legal in Rhode Island?
Polymarket US is available but is a co-defendant in the Attorney General's May 2026 lawsuit, which seeks to stop its sports contracts and recover profits. The case is consolidated with Kalshi's in federal court.
Is sports betting legal in Rhode Island?
Yes. The Rhode Island Lottery runs sports betting, with retail at the state's casinos and the Sportsbook RI mobile app. The app requires users to be 18+.
Sources
- CFTC — Motion to intervene, KalshiEX v. Furcolo, D.R.I. 1:26-cv-00327 (May 28, 2026)
- Ticker Tracker — State of Rhode Island v. KalshiEX, D.R.I. 1:26-cv-00333 docket summary (secondary)
- Rhode Island General Laws § 42-61.2-2.4 (state-operated sports wagering)
- App Store — Sportsbook RI (Lottery Commission of Rhode Island; 18+)
- FanDuel — Predicts new customer offer terms (eligible sports-contract states incl. Rhode Island)
Last checked:
Not legal or betting advice. 18+ (21+ where required). Prediction markets involve risk of loss — only trade what you can afford to lose. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (National Problem Gambling Helpline, 24/7).