Gaming News

R.I. senator wants full-scale casino gambling

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island -- As reported by The Providence Journal: "State Sen. John J. Tassoni Jr. is proposing an amendment to the state Constitution to allow full-scale casino gambling at both Twin River and Newport Grand.

"With a crucial deadline looming for Twin River to pull itself back from the brink of bankruptcy, House Speaker William. J. Murphy this week said state leaders are at a point where they need to consider all options, including a state buyout of the Lincoln dog track-and-slot parlor, to 'protect' the state's anticipated $246.8-million share of the slot revenue from there. He did not mention a major expansion of the gambling menu to include live blackjack play, roulette wheels and other traditional casino fare.

"A business agent for Council 94, American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees, Tassoni said he introduced the bill because: 'I think it is time. We don't have enough revenue for the budget. I believe this would help ... [and] it is like what the governor said. Status quo can no longer be accepted. We need to make sure we are on the head of the train, not the caboose.'

"The Smithfield Democrat said he introduced the bill without prompting from either of the slot parlors in Lincoln and Newport, which both declined comment yesterday..."

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