R.I. Progressive Democrats take stand against Tiverton casino plan

THE PROPOSED Tiverton casino features a two-story, 85,000 square foot facility with 1,000 slot machines and 32 table games. The Rhode Island Progressive Democrats has taken a position opposing the Twin River Tiverton casino. / COURTESY TWIN RIVER MANAGEMENT GROUP
THE PROPOSED Tiverton casino features a two-story, 85,000 square foot facility with 1,000 slot machines and 32 table games. The Rhode Island Progressive Democrats has taken a position opposing the Twin River Tiverton casino. / COURTESY TWIN RIVER MANAGEMENT GROUP

TIVERTON – The Rhode Island Progressive Democrats, a statewide organization of 500 members, has taken a position opposing the Twin River Tiverton casino.
In an announcement, the organization said the proposed casino will target low-income residents, “trapping them in a cycle of addiction,” and questioned whether Twin River Management Group’s projections of revenue are accurate.
The proposed casino is being positioned for the New England market as a convenience casino rather than a resort casino, aimed at residents of Massachusetts and Rhode Island who are looking for regional gambling options. It would include a hotel, as well as 1,000 slot machines and 32 table games.
An economic impact study commissioned by the Twin River Management Group estimated the casino will pull in $68 million in revenue on opening, assuming it has competition from resort casinos in Massachusetts. The study said the Tiverton casino could generate $91 million if the Taunton casino sought by the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe is not approved.
The Progressive Democrats argue a destination casino in Tiverton will not serve as an anchor for entertainment or other positive aspects of resort casinos. “Instead it will only damage the economy and hurt countless families,” the organization said, through spokesman Nate Carpenter.
The gaming business, if approved by voters in Rhode Island and in Tiverton, in separate ballot questions, will use the license now held by Newport Grand LLC. It is being sought by Twin River Worldwide Holdings Inc., which has spent $4.4 million since June on the referendum campaign, according to the most recent campaign finance reports.
The Progressive Democrats do not plan on ads or campaign fliers, and cannot compete with the financing of the casino effort, Carpenter said. They instead are focusing on community-based activists who oppose the casino, he said.

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