Members of the Rhode Island House Finance Committee have announced their final decision related to the request, made by the executives of Twin River Casino in Lincoln. They submitted a proposal for being allowed to expand their business by building a hotel located on the Twin River property.
Mere hours ago, the Committee members approved of the establishment of a hotel, which is believed to attract more visitors and therefore, ensure the Rhode Island casino venues are competitive and prepared to resist the tough competition of the neighboring states and Massachusetts in particular.
All members of the Committee, chaired by Rep. Raymond E. Gallison Jr., approved of the proposal and it was passed without heated debates and disagreements.
Initiator of the above-mentioned bill was Rep. Jeremiah T. O’Grady who demanded Rhode Island officials to lift the imposed ban and allow Twin River to establish a hotel.
The approval made Twin River’s competitors discontent but the truth is that Rhode Island is going to face even tougher competition as the soon-to-open slots parlor in Plainville, Massachusetts will be located in a close proximity to the capital or to be more precise, it will be only 17 miles away from Providence. Not to mention the state of Connecticut where the gambling industry is likely to undergo further expansion.
As for the future hotel that is to be added to the Twin River Casino, it is expected to feature approximately 200 hotel rooms and its design will most probably be similar to the one of the Courtyard Marriott or Hampton Inn. Twin River executives will have to invest at least $30 million in the construction. According to the initial information, it will take one year before the hotel welcomes its first guests.
As reported, the House Finance Committee passed the bill and now, the full House and the Senate members are supposed to give their consent to the companion legislation, which has been introduced.
Apart from attracting players to the state, the new hotel will also boost the economy as hundreds of temporary and permanent job positions will be opened.
However, Twin River officials wanted to make it clear that the establishment of the hotel does not mean that the property should be regarded as a resort. They also added that for the time being, they would like to stay concentrated on the “convenience gambler” who can easily opt for a gambling destination located in the neighboring states.
