Prevents anyone from wagering money or any other thing of value on the outcome of a greyhound race or other dog race, or accept or facilitate such wagering, regardless of the location at which the race takes place.

Rhode Island Bill Summary: Ban on Dog Race Wagering

This bill would make it illegal for anyone in Rhode Island to bet money or anything else of value on the outcome of a greyhound or dog race. It would also prohibit anyone from accepting or helping to arrange such bets. Importantly, the ban would apply no matter where the race itself takes place — meaning Rhode Islanders could not place these bets even on races happening in other states or countries.

The bill specifically references dog racing activity connected to the towns of Burrillville, Lincoln, and West Greenwich, suggesting these are locations where such wagering has previously been permitted or regulated. Under this legislation, that would no longer be allowed.

This bill would affect a range of people and businesses. Bettors who currently wager on dog races would no longer be able to do so legally in Rhode Island. Businesses or facilities that currently accept, process, or enable these bets — such as betting parlors, OTB (off-track betting) locations, or online platforms operating in the state — would also be prohibited from continuing that activity.

As of now, the bill has been introduced in the Senate and referred to the Senate Labor and Gaming Committee, but the committee has recommended holding it for further study rather than moving it forward immediately. A hearing was scheduled for March 2026. This means the bill has not yet become law and is still in the early stages of the legislative process.