Rhode Island Gaming Supplier Regulatory Overview

Rhode Island currently has two commercial casinos that offer video slot machines and traditional table games. These locations are regulated by the state of Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation under the Division of Commercial Licensing and Racing & Athletics. The Department is also responsible for the collection of taxes and fees as mandated by state law. This analysis will provide an overview of the licensing and registration requirements necessary for individuals and entities to provide goods or services to video lottery locations in the state.

Currently, sports betting is not legal in the state of Rhode Island.

Gaming Vendor Application

All entities or individuals seeking to provide goods or services to a gaming facility in the state of Rhode Island must be licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation.

The criteria for holding a Gaming Vendor License is as follows: Any entity that manufactures, serves, sells or leases supplies for approved slot or video machines and component parts, or any entity which is directly related to gambling, is related to the conduct of gambling activity, or directly affects the play and results of gambling games.

“Gambling game” means any game played with cards, dice, equipment or a machine, including any mechanical, electromechanical or electronic device which shall include computers and cashless wagering systems, for money, credit or any representative of value; including but not limited to faro, monte, roulette, keno, bingo, fan tan, twenty-one, blackjack, seven and a half, klondike, craps, poker, chuck a luck, Chinese chuck a luck (dai shu), wheel of fortune, chemin de fer, baccarat, pai gow, beat the banker, panguingui, slot machine, any banking or percentage game, or any other game or device approved by the state lottery division, but does not include games played with cards in private homes or residences in which no person makes money for operating the game.

Duration

Three years from the date the license is granted.

Fees

There is a $750 non-refundable application fee associated with all gaming vendor licenses and renewals. In addition, the applicant will be responsible for all costs and expenses related to the review and processing of the application and the Department’s due diligence and investigation into the business and financial affairs of the applicant.

Application

Interested parties must complete the applicable forms to apply for a Gaming Vendor license. In order to complete these forms, the following information is needed:

1. Basic Identification Information
2. Written or Unwritten Agreements
3. Subsidiaries, Related or Unrelated Entities
4. Description of Business
5. Current and Former Directors and Trustees
6. Current and Former Officers
7. Stock and Shareholder Information
8. Financial Information
9. Criminal History

Non-Facility/Vendor Gaming Employee Application

Every person desiring to obtain a gaming supplier permit, a key gaming employee permit or a non-gaming supplier permit shall submit a Non-Facility/Vendor Gaming Employee Application.

Duration

Three years from the date the license is granted.

Fees

There is a $75 fee for a Vendor (Concessionaire) Employee in addition to the cost of a complete National BCI Check. To do so, applicants must either present a check or money order payable to “The State of Rhode Island” for $36 OR present a check or money order payable to “RI Department of Attorney General” in the amount of $35.

Application

The application will include information and documents that provide the following information:

1. Personal Information
2. Past Residences
3. Motor Vehicle Data
4. Employment Information
5. Licensing Information
6. Marital Information
7. Civil, Criminal and Investigatory Proceedings
8. References

Vendor Application

The state lottery division shall issue a non-gaming supplier permit to suitable persons who supply, sell, lease or repair, or contract to supply, sell, lease or repair, non-gaming devices and supplies, in amounts that in the aggregate exceed two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) per calendar year, to the holder of a license.

Duration

Three years from the date the license is granted.

Fees

A fee of $750 must be paid by check or money order when the application is submitted. Additionally, at the applicant’s cost, the applicant’s background may be invested by the R.I. State Police and F.B.I. Checks should be made payable to: State of R.I. General Treasurer.

Application

1. Basic Identification Information
2. Date of Applicable Agreements
3. Business Structure

Non-Facility Vendor Employee Application

All individuals working on the premises of (but not employed by) a Dog Racing Track or Gaming Facility are required to hold a Non-Facility/Vendor Employee License.

Duration

Three years from the date the license is granted.

Fees

For a Vendor (Concessionaire) Employee the fee is $75 and for a Pari-Mutuel Totalizator Co. Employee the fee is $150. Additionally, the applicant is subject to a complete National BCI Check. To do so, a check or money order made payable to “The State of Rhode Island” for $36 OR a check or money order made payable to “RI Department of Attorney General” for $35 is necessary.

Application

1. Basic Identification Information
2. Civil, Criminal and Investigatory Proceedings
3. Licensing
4. Employment Information
5. References

Institutional Investor Application

The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation and Division of Lotteries accepts Institutional Investor Applications and Certifications for passive institutional investors to acquire up to 15% ownership interest in a licensed gaming facility. Existing shareholders can only apply to acquire up to a total of 15%, which includes shares held prior to this application. The 15% limit for any Institutional Investor includes shares held by parent and subsidiary companies, affiliates, shares held in different funds, etc.

1. Basic Business Information
2. Detailed Description of the Institutional Investor’s Business
3. List of All Securities
4. Officers and Directors
5. List of Affiliates