Lynch Calls on Lawmakers to Override Casino Veto

Lynch Calls on Lawmakers to Override Casino Veto

Democratic candidate for governor Patrick Lynch yesterday urged the General Assembly to reconvene and override Gov. Don Carcieri’s veto of a bill that would expand gambling in Rhode Island.

He warned that $300 million in state revenue from Twin River Casino and Newport Grand was at stake.

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“The Governor’s lack of leadership on this issue earlier in the legislative session, coupled the inaction of the General Assembly is endangering hundreds of jobs and almost 300 million per year in future revenue, especially with the expansion of gaming in Massachusetts looming in the near future,” Lynch said

“It is incredibly shortsighted and irresponsible of the Governor and General Assembly to leave work unfinished because they are eager to break for the summer,” Lynch added.

Carcieri vetoed the bill earlier this month, saying it was unclear how much more revenue, if any, the state would be receiving by allowing table games at Twin River Casino and Newport Grand. Currently only slot machines and video terminal games are allowed. The state takes 61 percent of the profits at those two venues, which amounted to $291 million in the current year—10 percent of the whole state budget.