Unsure How to Wager on Casino Referendum? Watch Both Sides Argue Pros and Cons

Proponents and opponents of expanded casino gaming at Newport Grand -- and ultimately, a proposed transformation of the slot parlor into a Monte Carlo-esque casino and entertainment center -- gathered for a debate on Wednesday to make the case for and against Questions 1 and 2 on the November Ballot.

The public forum was sponsored by Alliance for A Livable Newport and held in the Community College of Rhode Island auditorium at the CCRI Newport Campus.

Speaking during the forum were members of both Jobs for Newport, which is backing the proposal by former Providence Mayor and Developer Joseph Paolino Jr. and a team of investors to buy Newport Grand and give it a $40 million revamp; and Citizens Concerned Against Casino Gambling, a local Newport-based organization that has led the charge against the expansion of table games at Newport Grand.

Newport voters must approve both Questions 1 and 2 for the proposed sale of Newport Grand to go through.

Speaking for CCAG were Timothy O’Reilly, a Newport resident, retired CEO and board chairman of Newport Harbor Corporation; Liz Taber, campaign coordinator for CCAG; and Duchess Colon, a Newporter and volunteer.

Paolino himself represented for Jobs for Newport, of which he is one of three partners, along with Cathy Rayner, a Newport Grand employee and President of the UAW Local 7770, which represents workers at the slots parlor; and Mike Wood, a 38-year employee of Newport Grand and a Fifth Ward resident for more than 30 years.

Watch the full debate below.

ALN Casino For and Against - October 22 CCRI Newport RI from Alliance for Livable Newport on Vimeo.