Rhode Island Lawmakers Add Track Days at Bankrupt Casino
The Rhode Island House voted yesterday to give the governor half of what he wanted as far as gambling at the financially distressed Twin River casino. But his other part of the proposal was reversed by the legislators, who decided to force increased greyhound racing where Governor Donald Carcieri had demanded eliminating it.
The House granted the request by the governor to operate the facility around the clock, a proposal which track operators had been pushing for over a year before finally filing for bankruptcy this week. But rather than drop dog racing, which operates at a loss, the body voted 60-11 to add live racing days, raising the number required from 125 to 200.
Lawmakers said the track racing is necessary to avoid losing jobs invested in continuing live racing, as the Rhode Island Greyhound Owners Association said over 200 people counted on the dog track for employment.
“We commend our lawmakers for choosing to protect jobs and taxpayer revenue rather than lining the pockets of the big banks,’’ said Jennifer Bramley, a spokesman for the organization.
A spokesman for the governor said greyhound racing is an outdated form of gambling which is just contributing to the financial difficulties of the slot venue.
Carcieri stepped into keep the gaming facility in operation as the bankruptcy threatened the state's monthly take of $20 million from the operation. No comment was forthcoming from the governor about the massive burden caused the operators by having to meet the minimum state payment monthly, a tax which may be the highest gambling tax in the US.
