RI Gov. Signs Legislation Clearing Way for Twin River Hotel

Gov. Gina Raimondo has approved legislation clearing the way for Twin River Casino to build a hotel on its Lincoln property.

Raimondo signed the House bill and its companion Senate bill Thursday, saying the state needs to examine ways to create more economic opportunities in Rhode Island.

State Rep. Jeremiah O'Grady introduced the legislation in March to lift a ban on building a hotel at the casino. The restriction was originally put in place to satisfy Providence hotel owners concerned about competition.

But Twin River now faces competition of its own as future gambling facilities in neighboring Massachusetts threaten to take away the casino's clientele.

The president and CEO of Twin River Management Group, George Papanier, says the hotel would create approximately 200 temporary construction jobs and 100 full-time jobs.