Rhode Island General Laws Title 41. Sports, Racing, and Athletics § 41-5-21. Application of chapter to wrestling matches

(a) The division of gaming and athletics licensing shall have and exercise the same authority, supervision, and control over wrestling and exhibitions as is conferred upon the division by this chapter over boxing and sparring matches and exhibitions, and the provisions of this chapter, except those of § 41-5-12, shall apply in all respects to wrestling matches and exhibitions to the same extent, and with the same force and effect, as they apply to boxing and sparring matches.

(b) Whenever in this chapter, except in § 41-5-12, the words “boxing or sparring match or exhibition” or the plural form thereof, are used, they shall be construed to include the words “wrestling match or exhibition” or the plural form thereof, and the word “boxer” shall be construed to include “wrestler”, unless the context otherwise requires, and any person holding, conducting, or participating in a wrestling match or exhibition shall be subject to the same duties, liabilities, licensing requirements, penalties, and fees as are imposed by this chapter upon any person holding, conducting, or participating in a boxing or sparring match or exhibition.

(c) For the purpose of this chapter, a “ professional wrestler” is defined as one who competes for a money prize, or teaches or pursues or assists in the practice of wrestling, as a means of obtaining a livelihood or pecuniary gain.

(d) The division of gaming and athletics licensing may waive the provisions of this chapter within its discretion in the case of wrestling as a form of pre-determined entertainment.