Bill Takes Gaming Chunk

Fearing the loss of casino revenue to a neighboring state, Rhode Island's General Assembly passed an end-of-session bill that gives the state 18% of the take from table games at its Twin River and Newport Grand facilities, should voters approve an enabling referendum this fall.

Gov. Lincoln Chafee said he is unsure whether he would sign the measure.

Owners at Twin River and Newport Grand said they need games such as poker and blackjack to compete with Massachusetts, which last year authorized resort-style casinos and plans one for each of three regions, including an area near the Rhode Island border.

At Twin River in Lincoln, that rate would be lowered to 16% if the facility should experience a sustained drop in revenue.

According to projections, Twin River stands to generate $60 million annually in estimated table game revenue when fully operational.

"The primary goal of this legislation is to preserve the revenue Rhode Island receives from Twin River and Newport Grand," said bill sponsor Sen. Maryellen Goodwin, D-Providence, chairwoman of the Joint Committee on Lottery.

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Rhode Island
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