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Rhode Island Gambling Parlors Want Equal Tax Rates

RHODE ISLAND – As reported by the Connecticut Day: "If a casino were built in West Warwick it would steal business from existing gambling parlors in Newport and Lincoln, representatives from both facilities said Monday.

"But, Newport Grand and Lincoln Park said they'd take their chances competing against a casino, if all three were taxed at the same rate.

"'…Both gambling parlors give about 60 percent of their profits from video lottery terminals to the state. This year the facilities together will contribute about $220 million to the state.

"'Harrah's Entertainment and the Narragansett Indian Tribe have proposed a casino in West Warwick. Harrah's has offered to pay a gaming tax of 25 percent to 35 percent. Voters must approve any casino.

"'…Wembley PLC, the London-based owner of Lincoln Park, last week urged lawmakers to come up with a compromise tax rate that would be applied to all gambling facilities in the state.

"'…The Las Vegas-based casino operator says it wants to compete with two Indian-run casinos in Connecticut, not the businesses in Lincoln and Newport. Harrah's believes many visitors to a West Warwick casino would come from Massachusetts, rather than taking customers from Lincoln and Newport…"

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