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Rhode Island Groups Join Casino Opposition

NEWPORT, Rhode Island – As reported by the Providence Journal: "Citing unanswered questions and potential harm to communities across the state, two prominent Newport County organizations have joined the chorus of opposition from within the tourism industry to opening a casino in Rhode Island.

"The Newport County Chamber of Commerce, which represents a wide variety of Aquidneck Island businesses, and the Preservation Society of Newport County, the custodians of the city's famous mansions, both released similar statements yesterday saying their boards had found 'casino gambling will have a major impact on jobs, land use, and other complex issues,' the statement from the preservation society read.

"The statements come at a time when state legislators are considering putting a question on November's ballot asking voters to approve opening an Indian-owned casino in West Warwick, with the financial backing of gaming industry giant Harrah's Entertainment.

"…Opposition to a West Warwick casino is mounting in Newport, which, with its mansions, beaches and yatching community, can be described as the state's tourism capital.

"…Community leaders here worry that a new casino would have a negative effect on the county beyond its effect on Newport Grand, one of the state's two video-slot machine facilities and a member of the Chamber of Commerce…"

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