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1/30/2026
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Rep. O’Brien reintroduces bill to repeal social gaming ban
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Bill heard by House Judiciary Committee
STATE HOUSE – Rep. William W. O’Brien (D-Dist. 54, North Providence) has reintroduced his legislation (2026-H 7197) that would allow social gaming in private residences, public taverns and private clubs.
Representative O’Brien’s bill would legalize activities such as Super Bowl “squares” and NCAA Basketball Tournament bracket “pools” if there is a social relationship between participants and no person other than the participants receives anything of value.
“With legalized sports betting proving to be very successful for the state, now is the time to make every office pool or good-natured wager between friends and family legal, too. This is a reasonable and practical bill that corrects this issue in state law that may technically make someone’s grandmother or uncle into a criminal during the Super Bowl or March Madness,” said Representative O’Brien.
Representative O’Brien has introduced the legislation for the past several sessions. The bill further establishes that no entry fees or proceeds from the gaming can be paid to the house, host, owner or manager of the establishment or private residence.
The bill was heard by the House Judiciary Committee on Jan. 29.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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