Swift Passage for Tiverton Casino Bills

STATE HOUSE—Both the Rhode Island House and Senate approved bills that pave the way for Twin River Management Group to transfer gambling operations at Newport Grand to a new facility in Tiverton.

The bills, go before the Senate Thursday and are expected to get signed by Governor Gina Raimindo by the end of the week, will put questions on the ballot this November asking whether a casino should be built in Tiverton.

While voters across Rhode Island will weigh in, the final say is in Tiverton voters' hands. Even if a majority of Rhode Islanders vote yes, a failed vote in Tiverton would scuttle Twin River's plans, much how Newport voters blocked table games at Newport Grand in 2014.

“This legislation is about protecting our state’s third-largest revenue source. We can’t allow our gaming facilities to be left behind when newer, bigger facilities open in Massachusetts. Remaining competitive is critical to this industry, and the state has a significant stake in its success. The new facility in Tiverton will keep Rhode Island dollars in Rhode Island, and could bring in money from out-of-staters as well,” said House Majority Leader John J. DeSimone (D-Dist. 5, Providence, who is sponsoring the bill in the House. That bill (2016-H 7228A) passed the House today on a 69-4 vote, and will be forwarded to the Senate.

Earlier this afternoon, the Senate Committee on Special Legislation and Veterans’ Affairs voted 7-0 to approve the Senate version of the bill (2016-S 2081A), sponsored by Senate Majority Whip Maryellen Goodwin (D-Dist. 1, Providence). That bill is also expected to come to the Senate floor tomorrow.

“Twin River has worked openly and cooperatively with state and local leaders to create a proposal to help the facility thrive and continue to generate revenue that supports our state and the host community. This legislation will allow them to carry it out, with voters’ support. The revenue generated by our state’s two gaming facilities is a critical component of our state budget, allowing us to fund education, social services, infrastructure and more, so allowing Twin River to stay competitive makes a difference in the lives of regular Rhode Islanders, even those who never set foot in either facility,” said Majority Whip Goodwin.

Twin River bought Newport Grand last year from a group that included former Providence Mayor Joseph Paolino Jr.

Twin River believes that a new, larger, full-fledged casino, hotel and entertainment complex near the Massachusetts border would better compete against other casinos in New England.

Tiverton is promised at least $3 million annually from casino proceeds.