Rhode Island Moves Closer To Casino Initiative On November Ballot

Rhode Island is having a hard time keeping up with other Northeastern states when it comes to the casino gambling industry. While Rhode island does offer casino options, the casinos only are allowed to offer slots. A new initiative is being pushed by pro-gambling lawmakers that would allow a full-scale casino at the Newport Grand slot hall.

The initiative passed the House Finance Committee on Wednesday. The bill, if passed by the full House, will place an initiative on the ballot in November, asking voters whether or not to approve Vegas-style gambling for the Newport Grand. If approved, the slot hall could start offering popular games such as blackjack, craps, and roulette.

"In order to maintain any type of competitive edge...acquiring table games is essential for our long-term survival. Let the people decide," said Newport Grand CEO Diane Hurley. The CEO was speaking to legislators, urging them to vote favorably for the bill on Wednesday.

Rhode Island is facing a difficult situation with casino gaming. While the state has joined the group of states in the Northeast that has opened up their casino industries, Rhode Island lawmakers only authorized the bare minimum with the slots. States such as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Connecticut have full-scale casinos.

In order to keep gamblers home in Rhode Island, Hurley and other executives within the gaming industry know that table games are a necessity. Pennsylvania gaming revenue has increased drastically since allowing their casinos to offer table games last year. Revenue at Pennsylvania casinos is expected to approach the levels seen in New Jersey by the end of the year.

The biggest threat to Rhode island comes from a state that does not even have a casino open yet. Massachusetts lawmakers finally ironed out their differences on a bill bringing casino resorts to the state. When Massachusetts casinos open, they are expected to be the main competitor for Rhode Island casinos.

The movement to expand gambling in Rhode Island does face some opposition. Several opposition groups have started campaigns to keep gambling expansion from taking place. The Newport City Council gave their approval in January for expansion at the Newport Grand.

March 1, 2012
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!

Closing Arguments Made In Alabama Gambling Corruption Trial
US Indicts Bodog Founder, And Online Gambling Mogul Calvin Ayre
Alabama Gambling Corruption Trial Nearing An End
Kentucky House Giving Up On Gambling Expansion Debate This Session
Maryland Lawmakers Discuss Table Games For State Casinos