§ 41-5.2-2. License required for mixed martial arts exhibitions — Exception.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, no mixed-martial-arts match or exhibition for a prize or a purse, or at which an admission fee is charged, either directly or indirectly, in the form of dues or otherwise, shall take place or be conducted in this state unless licensed by the division of gaming and athletics licensing in accordance with this chapter.
(b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any mixed-martial-arts match or exhibition in which the contestants are amateurs and that is conducted under the supervision and control of:
(1) Any educational institution recognized by the council on postsecondary education and the council on elementary and secondary education of this state; or
(2) Any religious or charitable organization or society engaged in the training of youth and recognized as such by the division of gaming and athletics licensing in this state.
(c) For the purposes of this section, an “amateur” means a person who engages in mixed-martial-arts matches or exhibitions for which no cash prizes are awarded to the participants, and for which the prize competed for, if any, shall not exceed in value the sum of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
History of Section.P.L. 2009, ch. 312, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 313, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 528, § 6; P.L. 2022, ch. 231, art. 3, § 13, effective June 27, 2022.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Title 41 - Sports, Racing, and Athletics
Chapter 41-5.2 - Mixed Martial Arts
Section 41-5.2-1. - Definitions.
Section 41-5.2-2. - License required for mixed martial arts exhibitions — Exception.
Section 41-5.2-3. - Application for license.
Section 41-5.2-4. - Insurance required.
Section 41-5.2-5. - Drug and H.I.V. testing.
Section 41-5.2-6. - Health insurance.
Section 41-5.2-7. - Minimum age of contestants.
Section 41-5.2-8. - Mixed martial arts uniform rules — Weight classes.
Section 41-5.2-9. - Uniform rules — Fighting area.
Section 41-5.2-10. - Uniform rules — Hand bandage specifications.
Section 41-5.2-11. - Uniform rules — Mouthpieces.
Section 41-5.2-12. - Uniform rules — Protective equipment.
Section 41-5.2-13. - Uniform rules — Gloves.
Section 41-5.2-14. - Uniform rules — Apparel.
Section 41-5.2-15. - Uniform rules — Appearance.
Section 41-5.2-16. - Uniform rules — Round length.
Section 41-5.2-17. - Uniform rules — Stopping a contest.
Section 41-5.2-18. - Uniform rules — Judging.
Section 41-5.2-19. - Warnings.
Section 41-5.2-21. - Injuries sustained during competition.
Section 41-5.2-22. - Types of bout results.
Section 41-5.2-23. - Bond procedure.
Section 41-5.2-24. - Inspectors.
Section 41-5.2-25. - Rules and regulations.
Section 41-5.2-26. - Penalty for unlicensed match.
Section 41-5.2-27. - Tax on admissions.
Section 41-5.2-28. - Suspension or revocation of license.