Rhode Island · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 7197: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- GAMBLING AND LOTTERIES
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 7197 is a bill introduced in the Rhode Island House on January 21, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- GAMBLING AND LOTTERIES. Primary sponsor: Carol McEntee (Democratic), Joshua Giraldo (Democratic), Brandon Voas (Democratic), Brandon Potter (Democratic), Scott Slater (Democratic), Sam Azzinaro (Democratic), Charlene Lima (Democratic), Greg Costantino (Democratic), Matthew Dawson (Democratic), Bill O'Brien (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (January 29, 2026): 01/29/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
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.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 10
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carol McEntee | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 33 |
| Joshua Giraldo | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 56 |
| Brandon Voas | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 57 |
| Brandon Potter | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 16 |
| Scott Slater | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 10 |
| Sam Azzinaro | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 37 |
| Charlene Lima | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 14 |
| Greg Costantino | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 44 |
| Matthew Dawson | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 65 |
| Bill O'Brien | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 54 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- 01/29/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
- 01/23/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (01/29/2026)
- 01/21/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary