R.I. lawmakers increase gambling hours

State lawmakers desperate to fix a massive budget deficit voted Tuesday to allow Rhode Island's two slot parlors to operate around-the-clock on weekends and holidays, a step that could raise more money for the state.

The proposal would also allow Twin River in Lincoln and Newport Grand to close as late as 3 a.m. on weekdays.

Identical bills passed 27-6 in the Senate and 51-19 in the House. The separate House and Senate bills must be approved by the opposite side of the legislature before they go to the governor.

Rhode Island faces its worst financial problem since it bailed out failed banks and credit unions in the early 1990s, with a sluggish economy and a $568 million budget deficit.

Earlier this year, officials at Twin River estimated the extra gambling hours could raise an additional $11.8 million for the state. The state already depends on video slot machines to provide about 8 percent of state income.

But the proposals have critics, particularly among Republicans and people who live near the slot parlors. In a nonbinding referendum in November, Lincoln residents rejected longer gambling hours at Twin River and also opposed turning the slot parlor into a traditional casino offering card and table games.

Newport Mayor Stephen Waluk told lawmakers in February that the state should find other ways to fix its budget problems.

During the debate, lawmakers opposed to 24-hour gambling tried unsuccessfully to raise the state's legal gambling age from 18 to 21 and denounced video slot machines as a tax on the poor. Several said that permitting around-the-clock gambling brings Rhode Island closer to creating a full-fledged casino, an idea voters rejected in 2006.

"We had a debate about what ages we're going to allow pockets to be picked," said Rep. Nicholas Gorham, a Republican gambling opponent. "When can you start having your pocket picked so that we can get more money to the state?"

Republican Gov. Don Carcieri will not support expanded gambling if residents in Lincoln and Newport are against it, Carcieri spokesman Jeff Neal said Tuesday. Neal would not comment on whether Carcieri would veto the bill. Last week, Carcieri told Rep. Robert Watson, the Republican minority leader, that he would veto, Watson said. (AP)