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RI H7197
Bill
Status
1/21/2026
Primary Sponsor
William O'Brien
Click for details
AI Summary
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Legalizes "social gaming" in private residences and at private businesses, clubs, or public accommodations where gambling is incidental to a bona fide social relationship and only players receive winnings
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Prohibits hosts, owners, or operators from collecting entry fees or deriving profit from the gaming activity, though private residence hosts may participate as players
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Permits "office pools" based on social or sporting events at licensed establishments, requiring a $100 permit from the Department of Business Regulation for liquor license holders
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Allows nonprofit organizations to petition state police to run pools for charitable purposes, withholding up to 25% of the pool for the charity
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Participants in office pools must be of legal age, have equal chances to win, and all participant money must be paid out to winners (except for permitted nonprofit withholdings)
Legislative Description
Allows social gaming in private residences and in public taverns or private clubs as long as the gambling is incidental to a bona fide social relationship between the participants and no person other than the participants receive anything of value.
Criminal Offenses
Last Action
Committee recommended measure be held for further study
1/29/2026