Rhode Island governor vetoes bill allowing 24-hour gambling on weekends, holidays

Providence, Rhode Island (AP) – Rhode Island Gov. Don Carcieri has vetoed a bill allowing the state’s two slot parlors to operate around-the-clock on weekends and holidays.

The bill would also allow Newport Grand and Twin River in Lincoln to close at 3 a.m. on weekdays.

In a statement issued Monday, the Republican governor says local residents deserve a say in whether they want more gambling.

Lincoln voters in November rejected a nonbinding referendum to allow extended gambling hours at Twin River. Newport’s mayor has said his city does not support longer hours at Newport Grand.

The General Assembly approved the expanded hours last week to bring in more money as the state faces a USD 568 million budget deficit. Democrats say they may try to overturn the veto.