Gaming News

Tracks Join West Warwick Casino Opposition

RHODE ISLAND – As reported by the Newport Daily News: "Newport Grand and Lincoln Park have joined the anti-casino coalition Save Our State, infusing the group with an 'initial investment' of $1 million.

"Officials from the state's two gaming venues said they joined the group because they believe the proposal by the Narragansett Indian tribe and Harrah's Entertainment to build a full-fledged resort casino in West Warwick would cost Rhode Island taxpayers millions of dollars in lost gaming revenue and give the Las Vegas-based corporation an unfair competitive advantage.

"…Question 1 on the November ballot will ask voters to approve an amendment to the state constitution allowing the tribe and its partner to build and operate a casino in West Warwick, with proceeds to the state used to provide property tax relief. The amendment does not specify what percentage of revenues the state would receive, or how that money would be used.

"In the past, Harrah's officials have said they would consider a tax rate of 25 percent of revenues. The state passed legislation last year pledging to reimburse Newport Grand and Lincoln Park for any losses in revenue associated with a West Warwick casino, an arrangement known as 'slippage.'

"Former Gov. Lincoln Almond, chairman of Save Our State, welcomed Newport Grand and Lincoln Park aboard.

"…Narragansett Indian Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas, chairman of the pro-casino Rhode Islanders for Jobs and Tax Relief, said it was not a surprise to see the state's existing gaming parlors joining opposition to the casino amendment…"

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