Rhode Island Reintroduces Bitcoin Tax Exemption Bill for Second Straight Year

Rhode Island has extended its partnership with IGT PlaySports for another two years, ensuring the provider will continue to power retail and mobile sports betting through 2028 according to the announcement. The extension allows IGT PlaySports to maintain its presence in the state alongside Caesars Sportsbook. The partnership has contributed significantly to state revenue since 2018. This decision was announced on January 7, 2026, as part of a broader effort to support the Rhode Island Lottery's revenue generation.

Meanwhile, Bitget, the world's largest Universal Exchange, announced it captured 89% of the tokenized stock market share on Ondo in December 2025. The platform has extended its zero-fee trading campaign for tokenized stocks until April 30, 2026. This expansion supports on-chain access to global equities and highlights Bitget's growing dominance in this market.

Political developments in Venezuela have intensified, with U.S. forces capturing deposed President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas over the weekend of January 6, 2026. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has been sworn in as interim leader. President Donald Trump announced the U.S. would "run" Venezuela for an unspecified period following the operation. This has led to heightened tensions with Congress, which advanced a war powers resolution to restrict U.S. military involvement in Venezuela without congressional approval.

In North Texas, State Representative Jared Patterson is reintroducing a bill in 2026 to ban social media for children under 16. The bill is a revised version of one that failed to pass in 2025 due to concerns over free speech and the unknown effects of such legislation. Patterson argues the bill is necessary to protect children from harmful content and to mirror Australia's current regulation. A federal court recently blocked a similar bill requiring age verification and parental consent for minors to use apps.

Coinbase is pushing for changes to a Senate market-structure bill that could impact stablecoin rewards according to Bloomberg. The bill could limit the incentives offered by exchanges like Coinbase to users holding stablecoins, potentially reducing the platform's stablecoin revenue. While the administration has supported broader crypto legislation, tensions have emerged over the rewards structure. The American Bankers Association has expressed concerns that such rewards could weaken community lending by diverting deposits from banks.

Why Did This Happen?

The IGT PlaySports contract extension in Rhode Island reflects the state's ongoing commitment to leveraging digital platforms for revenue generation. The lottery has relied on IGT since 2018 to manage its retail and mobile sports betting operations. This decision ensures continuity and potentially enhances the state's ability to meet its financial goals through sports betting.

Bitget's expansion in tokenized stock trading underscores growing demand for on-chain access to global equities. The platform's zero-fee campaign is designed to attract both crypto-native and traditional investors. This strategy aligns with Bitget's vision of integrating digital and traditional financial markets into a single, accessible ecosystem.

Venezuela's political instability has drawn international attention and military intervention from the U.S. The arrest of Maduro and the installation of an interim leader have raised concerns about the future of the country's governance and U.S. involvement. The war powers resolution passed by the Senate signals growing resistance to military action without congressional authorization.

Texas lawmakers are continuing to debate the regulation of social media for minors as reported by CBS News. Patterson's renewed push for a ban is based on concerns about the impact of social media on youth. While the issue remains contentious, it highlights a broader national discussion on digital safety and youth protection.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

The extension of IGT PlaySports in Rhode Island may influence other states considering similar partnerships. The success of the state's sports betting program could encourage others to adopt similar models. Analysts are monitoring how the expansion of digital betting affects overall gambling revenues and regulatory approaches.

Bitget's dominance in tokenized stocks and its zero-fee campaign could reshape market dynamics. The platform's strategy of lowering barriers to entry for traditional investors may drive further adoption of on-chain assets. Analysts are tracking the growth of tokenized equities and how they integrate with broader financial markets.

Congressional actions in response to the U.S. military operation in Venezuela are a key focus. The war powers resolution passed by the Senate indicates a potential shift in how Congress approaches military interventions. Analysts are observing how this may impact Trump's broader policy goals and U.S. relations with Latin American nations.

The debate over social media regulation for minors is expected to continue into 2026. Patterson's bill will face legal and political challenges, particularly around free speech. The outcome of this legislation could influence national policy discussions on digital privacy and youth safety.

Coinbase's efforts to shape stablecoin regulations could affect the broader crypto market. The potential changes to rewards structures may impact user behavior and platform loyalty. Analysts are closely watching how exchanges and users respond to these regulatory shifts and what they mean for the future of stablecoin adoption.