Statewide Voters, Tiverton Residents To Decide about Casino Gambling

TIVERTON, RI — Casino gambling could come to Tiverton, if both the statewide ballot question and the local ballot question pass.

Historically, the gambling ballot question has sailed through on the statewide referendum. Last time, only two communities -- Newport and Jamestown -- gave it the thumbs down.

But passing the local ballot question has proved the stumbling block -- at least when the plan called for table games and more at the Newport Grand.

Now, Twin River, which runs the casino in Lincoln and the slot parlor in Newport, wants to move the Newport operation to Tiverton and build a new casino at the intersection of William S. Canning Boulevard and Stafford Road.

The new casino would have video-lottery games and table games.

According to the Secretary Of State's Voter Information Handbook, Question 1 on the state ballot is necessary because the state Constitution says voters must approve any expansion of gambling.

Similarly, the Constitution also says the gambling expansion must also win the approval of residents in the community where the casino is located. Question 8 on the local ballot puts the question to Tiverton residents.

If both pass, the Twin River-Tiverton Casino would be owned by Twin River-Tiverton but state-licensed and regulated.

The Newport Grand would be shuttered.