NEW: House OKs Newport Grand Bill
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
The House of Representatives today approved legislation that will allow casino-style games at the Newport Grand gaming facility, pending approval by Newport and state voters.
The bill, 2012-H 7543, was introduced by Rep. J. Russell Jackson (D-Dist. 73, Newport, Middletown) and was passed by the House on a vote of 69 to 3.
The legislation now goes to the Senate for consideration, where a companion bill, 2012-S 2695, introduced by Sen. Maryellen Goodwin (D-Dist. 1, Providence), is currently before the Senate Committee on Special Legislation and Veterans’ Affairs.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTIf approved by the full legislature, the Newport Grand casino question would go before voters in the general election this November. Voters are also expected to face a question of approving casino-style (table) games at Twin River in Lincoln.
Newport Grand, 150 Admiral Kalbfus Road, boasts more than 1,000 video slot machines, including line and reel games, poker, Keno and virtual blackjack tables. The legislation, which was introduced after news of likely competition from newly-authorized casinos over the border in Massachusetts, states it could “play a critical role in the economy of the state and enhance local revenues.”
As provided by existing state law, expansion of gambling must be approved by a majority of voters statewide and also in the host community.
