Lawmakers consider casino in Tiverton

February 28, 2016 2:54 pm

By The Associated Press

news@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – A proposal to build a casino in Tiverton near the Massachusetts border is moving forward, with the Rhode Island General Assembly scheduled to vote this week on sending the question to voters.

The legislation would guarantee at least $3 million each year to Tiverton, a town of just under 16,000 people, if the casino gets built. The state would make up the difference if gambling proceeds from the video lottery machines and table games fall short.

Casino operator Twin River Management Group wants to build the 85,000-square-foot complex to replace its aging Newport Grand after the voters of Newport rejected a proposed expansion in 2012.

If lawmakers approve it for the ballot, it must then be approved by voters in Tiverton and statewide in November.