Rhode Island Casinos & Gambling
Rhode Island Pari-mutuel - Rhode Island Gambling Forum - Rhode Island Casinos
There are currently no traditional Casinos in the state of Rhode Island. For years, the Narragansetts tribe, indigenous people of this state, have been pushing for the development of a tribal casino in Rhode Island. The tribe is backed by a prominent gaming corporation, Harrah's Entertainment of Las Vegas.
The $600 million casino proposal by the Narragansetts would be located on the tribe?s 62 acres of land at the West Warwick Industrial Park. If approved, this venture would open up many jobs ? due to its proposed 500-room hotel which would feature 3000 slot machines, 100 game tables, a choice of five restaurants and a large grand ballroom.
In the 1800?s Rhode Island was known as an elegant resort, with Narragansett as the prime tourist destination. Its most famous landmark was the Narragansett Casino, which at the time was the center point of various social activities. Today, the residents of Narragansett no longer have that casino, but its towers remain as a historical landmark surrounded with many beaches and restaurants.
Lincoln Park (also known as Lincoln Greyhound Park) was built in 1947, first as a horseracing track, then converted to a greyhound racing track in 1977. It features year-round greyhound racing activities, as well as horse and dog racing, all being simulcasted nationwide.
In 1992, gambling on video lottery terminals (VLT) was introduced to the park. These terminals look like slot machines but give away tickets instead of cash. Games like poker, blackjack and keno are also played with the VLTs. These VLTs have become the major source of income for the park. As a result, Lincoln Park has one of the highest dog racing revenues in the United States.
Lincoln Park currently operates some 2,341 slots or VLTs. All these video lottery terminals are designed with these games: keno and slots. Poker VLTs have three versions: jacks or better, joker poker, and deuces wild.
State representatives are pushing for the expansion of Rhode Island?s gambling bill to include blackjack and table games like roulette and craps in the vicinity of Lincoln Park. The Rhode Island Gaming Commission authorizes and regulates simulcast-waging operations done at licensed pari-mutuel facilities like Lincoln Park.
Income from the lottery has become the third largest source of funds for Rhode Island, following sales and income taxes. Pull-tab lottery tickets are regulated by the Rhode Island Lottery Commission to sell only to religious groups, civic groups, education or charitable organizations. Finally, Rhode Island first introduced its State Lottery in 1974, becoming the ninth US state to do so.
As per Rhode Island Constitution, senior citizens? housing facilities are permitted to hold bingo and raffle events. Rhode Island also has a Jai Alai facility with Video Lottery Terminals at the Newport Grand. The Newport Grand has a total of 1,070 slots or VLTs. Finally, the minimum gambling age in Rhode Island is 18 years old.
Rhode Island Lodging Information
Hyatt Regency Newport
Goat Island New
With golf, tennis and spa services, and is near an Newport Equestrian Center
Courtyard by Marriot
Providence, Lincoln RI
Near Foxwood Resort Casino across another State, the Lincoln Greyhound Park and Gillette Stadium
Sheraton Providence Airport Hotel
Post Road Warwick, RI
Near Lincoln Greyhound Park, Water Park Place and the Foxwoods Resort Casino in another state
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