On November 11th, 2007, residents from Lincoln sent a clear and loud message: Do not expand the operating hours at the Twin River gaming facility in a bid to produce more profits for the state. The residents also voted against making the Twin River facility a full-fledged casino.
The votes count only symbolically because the residents voted on non-binding questions but it is enough for Town Council President Jeremiah O’Grady. O’Grady said that it was a very close vote. Legislators considered a change to a 24 hour shift at the end of the legislative session.
Sen. Paul Moura, a Democrat from East Providence said that he will continue to push for expanded hours of gaming. He added that the Twin River facility can produce $25 million especially during weekends and holidays for the state. The state’s budget problems for the following fiscal year are predicted between $400 million and $450 million.
About 3,200 residents cast their ballots to answer two questions. About 65% of the voters said no to the planned 24 hour expansion of the gaming operation at Twin River, which is formerly known as Lincoln Park. The Twin River facility opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at around 2:00 a.m. 60% of the voters also opposed the expansion of the games offered in the casino.
The Twin River has only video slots. The officials of Twin River dismissed the vote, saying that there is not enough time to discussed things with the voters. Twin River officials said that they intend to continue talks with the Town Council and other leaders of the community regarding their future plans.
Twin River added that their operations produced more than $7 million yearly for Lincoln and about $225 million annually for the state. Twin River added that they take their financial and moral responsibilities to the town despite the misconceptions of most people.
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