Lawmakers override veto of 24-hour gaming

PROVIDENCE – The General Assembly last week overrode the governor’s veto of legislation allowing the state’s two gambling facilities to remain open 24 hours on weekends and days preceding state and federal holidays.

As a result, the so-called “24/3” gambling bill (READ MORE took effect immediately. Shortly after the override last Tuesday, Twin River in Lincoln announced new, round-the-clock weekend hours.

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State legislators had proposed the bill, 2008 - H7040Aaa, as a way to help the state close budget shortfalls. With millions of dollars coming from revenue at Twin River and Newport Grand, both of which the state oversees, the extended hours are viewed as a way to increase the amount coming into the state’s coffers.

Gov. Donald L. Carcieri had vetoed the legislation, citing objections from the facilities’ host communities. However, in a statement announcing the override of the governor’s veto, legislative leaders said that the extension of gaming hours could generate about $15 million more annually for the state. •