Rhode Island Casino Lays Off Greyhound Workers

A casino in Rhode Island is trying to end the required greyhound racing there, laying off workers and cutting jobs even though the real problems lie with debt payments and heavy taxation.

The Twin River casino and greyhound race track in Rhode Island notified 27 employees they would be laid off with the suspension of live greyhound racing Saturday. The move comes as the gambling complex tries to find a path to solvency, with its massive donation to state revenues making it hard to run a viable business.

Jennifer Bramley, a spokesman for the Rhode Island Greyhound Owners Association, told the Providence Journal as many as 200 jobs could be lost if the suspension becomes permanent.

“It’s unfortunate that Twin River would seek to end greyhound racing, a productive partner both for Twin River and for the state,” said Bramley. She noted unemployment is over 12 percent in Rhode Island.

Casino operators have complained that financial problems have resulted from an agreement to pay $9 million in yearly subsidies to dog owners. But a monthly $20 million bill to Rhode Island would seem more onerous, as well as debt service on $589 million in loans.

While the governor has been amenable to plans to end live racing, as long as the state's taste of income remains steady, the General Assembly moved to force year-round racing. The governor vetoed the bill, but legislators indicate an overturn of the veto may be coming in the next session.

“We’re very hopeful in September that the legislature will come and override the governor’s veto,” Bramley said. “That is essential to keeping those jobs in place and the millions coming into the state.”