Gaming News

R.I. residents might vote on gambling expansion

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island -- As reported by the Providence Journal: "Should Rhode Island voters have a chance to say yea or nay to full-scale casino gambling at Twin River and Newport Grand?

"That question will be up for debate Wednesday when the Senate Committee on Constitutional & Regulatory Issues holds a public hearing on a bill to put that question on the ballot during the next statewide general election.

"In 2006, voters rejected a proposed Harrah's-financed Narragansett Indian casino in West Warwick. The defeat was attributed, in part, to the vagueness of the proposal, which did not even include a proposed tax rate, and the inclusion of a "slippage clause" that would have required the state to compensate the two existing slot parlors for any losses attributable to competition from a new Rhode Island casino.

"This year's proposal by Sen. John J. Tassoni Jr., a business agent for Council 94, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, seeks to amend the state Constitution to allow casino gambling at Twin River and Newport Grand only..."

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