Voters reject expanded gaming at Newport Grand, but Paolino not ruling out property

DEVELOPER Joseph Paolino Jr. has not ruled out investing in Newport Grand, even though voters defeated his proposal to expand casino gaming beyond slot machines there. / PHOTO COURTESY NEWPORT GRAND/ANDREA HANSEN
DEVELOPER Joseph Paolino Jr. has not ruled out investing in Newport Grand, even though voters defeated his proposal to expand casino gaming beyond slot machines there. / PHOTO COURTESY NEWPORT GRAND/ANDREA HANSEN

PROVIDENCE – Although his plan to expand the Newport Grand slot parlor into a full casino was rejected by local voters, developer Joseph Paolino Jr. said Wednesday he has not ruled out investing in the property.
“You never know; I still have interest,” Paolino, managing partner at Paolino Properties in Providence said in a phone interview. “I will touch base with [Newport Grand] owner Diane Hurley in a couple of days after the dust settles and discuss it.”
Paolino was part of a partnership with British businessman Peter de Savary and Boston developer Paul Roiff with an agreement to buy Newport Grand from Hurley and expand the facility to include table games and entertainment.
The deal was contingent on voters both statewide and in Newport passing a referendum to allow table games. The question was approved by 55 percent of Rhode Island voters but 57 percent of Newport voters rejected the measure. Newport voters rejected a similar measure two years ago.
Exactly what he would do with Newport Grand if he bought or invested in it, Paolino said he didn’t know for certain, but said he did not see potential to turn it into something entirely different from what it is now.
“I don’t think so,” Paolino said about a use change. “I still think an entertainment center would be good, but after saying that, table games were important.”
Paolino said he would not look to buy Newport Grand and move it to another community less resistant to gambling.
“I wouldn’t be interested in that,” Paolino said. “The reason I liked Newport is I have a home there and love Newport. I think the people just don’t want Newport to be known as place with a casino. They felt they never had a chance to vote on the slot machines and that has always bothered them.”

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