Are Skill-Game Apps Legal in Rhode Island?
This page covers skill-game apps you play on your phone in Rhode Island. Skill machines in Rhode Island bars, gas stations and convenience stores are a separate question this page doesn't cover.
Yes, cash play is on in Rhode Island. Skillz, operated by Firy Inc. (NYSE: FIRY), runs our cash matches and has not switched it off there. 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in Rhode Island; Carrom has none anywhere yet. Next door, Connecticut is on that no-cash list, so cash matches stop when you cross into it. Rhode Island taxes personal income, so prizes may also go on your state return.
That status is Skillz's platform decision for Rhode Island, not a court ruling, and states use different skill-versus-chance tests.
Which Atay games offer cash play in Rhode Island
| Game | Cash play in Rhode Island | US App Store listing, checked Sep 24, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Solitaire Real Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not Rhode Island |
| Gin Rummy Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not Rhode Island |
| Ball Pool Cash | Available | Lists 11 states, not Rhode Island |
| Sugar Cash | Available | Lists 5 states, not Rhode Island |
| Word Money | Available | Lists 5 states, not Rhode Island |
| Bingo Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Rhode Island |
| Block Puzzle | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Rhode Island |
| Bubble Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Rhode Island |
| Crossword Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Rhode Island |
| Pachinko Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Rhode Island |
| Word Search Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Rhode Island |
| Carrom | Free play only | Cash not yet enabled (open beta) |
Play in Rhode Island
Every game plays free first, so Rhode Island players can learn one before any entry fee.
Browse the gamesHow prizes are taxed in Rhode Island
Rhode Island taxes personal income, so prizes may go on your Rhode Island return. The Rhode Island Division of Taxation decides how Rhode Island treats them. Federally, prizes are taxable income for Rhode Island players with or without a tax form; see 1099s and Skillz winnings under $2,000.
Cash play in states bordering Rhode Island
Crossing from Rhode Island into Connecticut switches cash matches off.
Elsewhere in the New England region (US Census division):
Questions about skill-game apps in Rhode Island
Can I play Atay games for cash in Rhode Island?
Yes, 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in Rhode Island. Carrom has no cash play yet.
Does it matter where in Rhode Island I am?
No. Skillz sets eligibility by state from your phone's location, so Providence gets the same answer as any small town in Rhode Island.
What happens if I cross from Rhode Island into Connecticut?
Cash matches switch off once your phone is in Connecticut. Free play keeps working, and cash play returns when you are back in Rhode Island.
Does Rhode Island tax prizes from skill-game apps?
It can. Prizes are income, and Rhode Island has a state income tax; check the Rhode Island Division of Taxation's guidance for your situation.
Rhode Island status per the Skillz help center (eligibility, cash-disabled areas, skill-game legality) and US App Store listings. General information, not legal advice; Skillz can change cash availability.