Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7197

Introduced
1/21/26  

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, H7197 would modify existing criminal offense statutes related to gambling, particularly sections that currently prohibit various forms of gambling in social settings. The bill is intended to provide a legal framework for social games, distancing them from the definition of illegal gambling, and allowing hosts the freedom to organize informal gaming activities without fear of prosecution. Importantly, the legislation would also permit nonprofit organizations to run games of chance for charitable purposes, provided they operate within stipulated guidelines regarding profit sharing and participant fairness.

Summary

House Bill H7197 is introduced to amend existing Rhode Island laws concerning gambling and lotteries, specifically targeting the regulation of social gaming. The bill seeks to allow social gaming in both private residences and public establishments, such as taverns and private clubs, under specific conditions. To qualify as social gaming, the activity must occur in the context of a bona fide social relationship among participants, and it must be clear that no participant or organizer derives any monetary benefit from hosting the game, thereby ensuring that the activity remains within the realm of social gatherings rather than commercial gambling.

Contention

There are concerns surrounding the bill, as it represents a significant shift in how gambling is regulated within the state. Proponents argue that it allows for casual social interaction without the constraints of outdated gambling laws, aligning with contemporary practices in social entertainment. However, opponents may voice apprehensions regarding potential misuse of the relaxed regulations, fearing it may lead to more serious forms of gambling activity under the guise of social gatherings. Moreover, the specific definitions and boundaries set forth in the bill will likely be scrutinized to ensure they do not inadvertently promote illegal gambling practices.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5656

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.

RI H5913

Provides that an agreement resolving a patent infringement claim, in connection with the sale of a pharmaceutical product, is to be presumed to have anticompetitive effects if a nonreference drug filer receives anything of value.

RI S0112

Establishes a new educational program that allows students to enroll public and private schools of their choice.

RI S0375

Prohibits the compelled production of a private key as it relates to a digital asset, digital identity or other interest or right.

RI H5868

Prohibits the compelled production of a private key as it relates to a digital asset, digital identity or other interest or right.

RI H5365

Provides that a communication between an attorney and client acting as a trustee or other fiduciary, is privileged and protected from disclosure to the same extent as if the client was acting in his, her, or its individual capacity.

RI S0356

Provides that a communication between an attorney and client acting as a trustee or other fiduciary, is privileged and protected from disclosure to the same extent as if the client was acting in his, her, or its individual capacity.

RI H5440

Permits non-sworn public safety officers/security guards at private colleges/universities to detain individuals for no longer than 30 minutes within the campus’s jurisdiction if the officer or guard believes the person committed a criminal offense.

RI S0516

Permits non-sworn public safety officers/security guards at private colleges/universities to detain individuals for no longer than 30 minutes within the campus’s jurisdiction if the officer or guard believes the person committed a criminal offense.

RI H5655

Makes it a misdemeanor to harass another person by following them and using an electronic device to record their movements in any public or private place.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.