Proposed RI Law Would Legalize Friendly Wagers

PROVIDENCE, RI — With sports betting now legal in Rhode Island, one lawmaker is calling for the legalization of unofficial social gaming.

Rep. William O'Brien introduced a bill that, if approved, would allow for casual, social bets such as Super Bowl squares, NCAA bracket pools and other social gaming in private clubs, homes and public taverns.

"Now that Rhode Island has legalized sports betting, and it is proving very successful, there is no reason why every office pool or good-natured wager between friends and family should remain technically a crime," O'Brien said. "This is a reasonable and practical bill that corrects this problem in state law."

The bill allows for this type of casual gambling, provided all participants have a preexisting social relationship and that no one besides the participants receive anything of value in the process. In addition, no entry fees or proceeds can be paid to the house, host, owner or manager of the home or business.