Three residents sue to block Newport gambling expansion

NEWPORT – Newport residents fighting the proposed expansion of gambling at Newport Grand have sued the state to block the Nov. 4 referendum, calling it “unconstitutional,” The Associated Press reported last week.
Deborah Arnold, Elizabeth P. de Ramel and Charles Weishar said in a lawsuit that the Rhode Island Constitution calls for one statewide referendum and does not provide for a separate local referendum in Newport.
Voters will be asked whether they approve of the addition of casino-style gaming at Newport Grand, exclusively at its current location, 150 Admiral Kalbfus Road, Newport. Approved in June, the legislation requires a majority of voters statewide and in Newport to approve table games if Newport Grand is to become a full casino. The ballot will not include a separate question for Newport residents.
The lawyer for the three Newport residents told the AP last week that the General Assembly departed from the constitutional requirements for gambling referendums, substituting a statewide referendum and eliminating the local vote.
Under the bill, the addition of table games will be allowed at Newport Grand only if both Newport’s voters and voters statewide approve the expansion, and voters statewide approve the constitutional amendment about location contained in the other bill.
Newport Grand is currently under agreement for sale to a group of developers that includes former Providence Mayor Joseph Paolino. The agreement is contingent upon voter-approved expansion of the facility to include casino-style gaming. •

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