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Bill > H7197

RI H7197

RI H7197
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.

summary

Introduced
01/21/2026
In Committee
01/21/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This act would allow 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 as long as no person other than the participants receive anything of value. It would provide that no entry fees or proceeds from the gaming activity be payable to the house, host, owner, or manager of the establishment or residence, provided that a social host in a private residence, may participate in the game. This act would also authorize a nonprofit organization to petition the state police to conduct a game of chance for charitable purposes. This act would take effect upon passage.

AI Summary

This bill amends existing laws to permit social gaming, defined as games other than lotteries where gambling is incidental to a genuine social relationship among participants, and no one outside the game profits, in private residences, public taverns, or private clubs, provided the host in a private residence does not profit from hosting and may participate in the game. It also allows businesses, private clubs, and public accommodations to host social gaming and "office pools" (where all entry fees are paid out to winners and participants have an equal chance), with liquor license holders needing a permit and a $100 fee to run office pools. Additionally, nonprofit organizations can petition the state police to conduct games of chance for charitable purposes, withholding up to 25% of the pool for their cause, provided no outside professionals profit and proceeds go to winners, minimal expenses, and the charity. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (10)

Last Action

Committee recommended measure be held for further study (on 01/29/2026)

bill text

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://status.rilegislature.gov/
BillText https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText26/HouseText26/H7197.pdf
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