Raimondo sends Tiverton casino question to voters

March 4, 2016 4:27 pm

By The Associated press

news@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) _ Rhode Island voters now get to decide on a proposed new casino in Tiverton after Gov. Gina Raimondo signed legislation Friday that puts it on the November ballot.

Voters in Tiverton and statewide will be asked they approve building a casino a short distance from the Massachusetts border.

Casino operator Twin River Management Group wants to close its aging Newport casino and transfer its gambling license to Tiverton.

The Democratic governor signed the bill the day after lawmakers sent it to her.

The Senate voted 33-2 to pass the legislation Thursday. The House approved it with a 69-4 vote Wednesday.

The state would get 15.5 percent of proceeds from table games and 61 percent from video machines. The town of Tiverton would be guaranteed at least $3 million a year.