Rhode Island parlor takes advantage of 24-hour gambling

PROVIDENCE, R.I.—One of Rhode Island's two slot parlors wasted no time taking advantage of a new state law that permits around-the-clock gambling on weekends and holidays.

State lawmakers Tuesday overturned Gov. Don Carcieri's veto of the bill, which also allows Twin River in Lincoln and the Newport Grand to stay open until 3 a.m. on weekdays.

Patti Doyle, a spokeswoman for Twin Rivers in Lincoln, told the Providence Journal that the facility planned to begin offering 24-hour gambling this weekend, and would soon announce "special promotions and services" beginning at 2 a.m. Saturday.

Newport Grand made no immediate announcement about around-the-clock operations, with a spokeswoman saying the parlor would first meet with city officials to address their concerns.

The House voted 51-16 to overturn Carcieri's veto, while the measure passed 24-8 in the Senate.

During the debate, Democratic Rep. William San Bento Jr., the bill's sponsor, said Rhode Island needs extra gambling revenue to help solve a $568 million budget deficit. Lawmakers have already passed a revised budget cutting social welfare spending, retirement benefits for state workers and funding for cities and towns.

"We have a huge budget deficit and this will help us," San Bento said.

Carcieri vetoed the proposal Monday because he said residents in Newport and Lincoln deserve a say in whether they want more gambling. In November, Lincoln residents voted in a nonbinding referendum against longer gambling hours. Newport's mayor has also objected.

Both communities will receive more revenue from the video slot machines as part of the deal.

The expanded hours expire in June 2009 unless lawmakers renew them.