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Can I offer contests that involve chance-based games in Rhode Island? What are the requirements?

Based on the provided context documents, it is possible to offer contests that involve chance-based games in Rhode Island, subject to certain requirements and regulations.

Requirements for Charitable Organizations

Charitable organizations may promote, carry on, or conduct any permitted game of chance authorized by the division of state police in connection with which prizes or prize monies are offered or awarded, provided that:

  • The game is conducted by members of the organization.
  • No person in the actual or constructive management and control of the game receives any compensation for services connected to the game.
  • The entire net receipts of the game, including the charges for admission to and participation in the game, are applied solely to the bona fide charitable purposes of the organization.
  • The organization is granted a license issued pursuant to the provisions of § 11-19-37.
  • The provisions of this section shall not apply to that lottery commonly known as a “twenty-week club” or a raffle conducted by a charitable organization. [1.2]

Police Regulation of Bingo and Permitted Games of Chance

The division of state police shall have the power and authority to license, regulate, supervise and exercise general control over the operation of bingo and permitted games of chance including, but not limited to, the conduct of permitted games of chance, the distribution of prizes, and the use and licensing of equipment specifically designed to be utilized to conduct bingo and permitted games of chance, as well as the licensing of persons, firms, corporations in the business of the sale and rental of equipment concerning bingo and permitted games of chance. [1.1]

Use of Name of Charitable Organization to Conduct Permitted Games of Chance

A charitable organization, within the provisions of § 11-19-30 or 11-19-31, shall not allow or permit any individual, partnership, corporation, or any other entity to utilize the name of the charitable organization for the purpose of conducting or promoting bingo or other permitted games of chance. [1.3]

General Requirements for Online Sports Wagering

Online sports wagering shall only occur within the state of Rhode Island. A hosting facility shall only accept online wagers from players who have been affirmatively located as being physically present in the state of Rhode Island at the time of their wager. [3.1]

State Authorized to Operate Casino Gaming

State-operated casino gaming shall be authorized at the facility of the licensed video lottery terminal retailer known as “Twin River” located in the town of Lincoln; provided, that the requirements of R.I. Const., Art. VI, Sec. XXII are met with respect to said facility at the general election next held after enactment of this section. [3.4]

State Authorized to Operate Casino Gaming at Newport Grand

State-operated casino gaming shall be authorized at the facility of the licensed video lottery terminal retailer known as “Newport Grand” located in the town of Newport; provided, that the requirements of Article VI, Section 22 of the Rhode Island Constitution are met with respect to said facility at the general election next held after enactment of this section. [3.3]

Conduct of Games

Games of chance may only be conducted by bona fide members of the organization serving without any compensation whatsoever, as their name appears on the application. The conduct of games of chance by the licensed organization can only be carried out and conducted by bona fide members of the organization serving without any compensation whatsoever, as their name appears on the application. [2.1]

Based on the above information, it is possible to offer contests that involve chance-based games in Rhode Island, subject to certain requirements and regulations. Charitable organizations may conduct permitted games of chance, provided they meet certain requirements and are granted a license. The division of state police has the power and authority to regulate and supervise the operation of bingo and permitted games of chance. Online sports wagering is only allowed within the state of Rhode Island, and state-operated casino gaming is authorized at Twin River and Newport Grand, subject to certain requirements and regulations. The conduct of games of chance by the licensed organization can only be carried out and conducted by bona fide members of the organization serving without any compensation whatsoever, as their name appears on the application.

Source(s):
Jurisdiction

Rhode Island