Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7572

Introduced

2/9/24

Refer

2/9/24

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 passed, this bill will significantly revise the state's approach to gambling regulations. The amendments will permit social gambling activities that were previously classified under illegal gambling statutes. More importantly, it opens avenues for charitable organizations to engage in gaming activities for fundraising purposes, provided they adhere to specified guidelines and do not profit from the event beyond a certain percentage of entries. This change could enhance community involvement through social gatherings while benefiting local charities.

Summary

House Bill 7572 aims to amend existing laws regarding gambling and lotteries in Rhode Island, specifically by allowing social gaming to occur in private residences as well as in public taverns and private clubs. The bill stipulates that such gaming must be incidental to a bona fide social relationship among participants, ensuring that no monetary benefit is accrued by the host or any outside parties. This legislative change is intended to create a legal framework for casual gaming activities among friends and family without the fear of legal repercussions, thus fostering social engagement.

Contention

While the bill has strengths in promoting social activities and supporting nonprofit fundraising, there may be notable points of contention regarding its enforcement and the potential for abuse. Opponents may argue that relaxing gambling laws could lead to issues such as gambling addiction or increased illegal gambling activities disguised as social gaming. Additionally, the bill’s reliance on the integrity of hosts to not profit from gaming events may lead to regulatory challenges, as differentiating between private social gatherings and organized gambling could prove complex.

Latest H7572 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5295

Gambling And Lotteries

RI S0948

Video Lottery Games, Table Games And Sports Wagering

RI H5745

Rhode Island Personal Data And Online Privacy Protection Act

RI H6348

Video Lottery Games, Table Games And Sports Wagering

RI S0646

Privately Owned And Operated Detention Facilities

RI S0803

Public-private Partnership Infrastructure Program

RI S0146

Video Lottery Games, Table Games And Sports Wagering -- The Rhode Island Consumer Protection Gaming Act

RI S0288

Senate Resolution Respectfully Requesting That The United States Senate Stop Privatization Of Medicare (respectfully Requesting That The United States Senate Stop Privatization Of Medicare)

RI H6404

Authorizing The Town Of Barrington To Finance The Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Alteration, Furnishing And Equipping Of Public Schools And School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Athletic Fields, Playgrounds, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $250,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 35 Percent At The Time Of Issuance And Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority