RI house panel to take up gambling bill again

Associated Press

A bill allowing full-scale casino gambling in Rhode Island heads to another committee hearing this week.

The House Finance Committee has scheduled a hearing Tuesday on the bill, which would permit the state's two licensed slot parlors to operate as traditional casinos.

Right now, Twin River and Newport Grand have video lottery terminals and virtual black jack, but the bill would allow them to offer table games found at casinos.

Supporters of the bill say full-fledged gambling would bring in much-needed revenue to Rhode Island and allow it to keep pace with neighboring states that either have or are pursuing casinos.