Reps seek to change law and allow hotel at Twin River

By The Associated Press

news@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) _ Rhode Island lawmakers want to eliminate a state prohibition against building a hotel at the Twin River Casino in Lincoln, saying the casino needs to be more competitive with nearby gambling facilities.                

Lincoln Rep. Jeremiah O’Grady introduced the bill Thursday. He says town officials have been receptive to plans to build a four-story hotel with about 200 rooms. He says the casino wouldn’t seek any tax breaks or other concessions.

Current state law prohibits the casino from building a hotel on its premises.

Officials say the restriction was imposed to protect the viability of Providence hotels.

Twin River has acquired the rival Newport Grand casino.

Gambling revenue in Rhode Island is expected to take a hit approaching $100 million a year because of new casinos and gambling facilities in Massachusetts.

© The Associated Press/ WLNE-TV 2015