STATE HOUSE, Providence – The General Assembly has passed legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Daniel P. Connors (D-Dist. 19, Cumberland, Lincoln) to direct funds generated from overnight hours at the Twin River gaming facility to benefit the town of Lincoln.

Under the legislation, 2009-S-1060, 1.45 percent of the net income from the 24-hour operation of video lottery terminals at Twin River will be allocated to the general fund of its host town of Lincoln, retroactively to June 30, 2009. These funds are in addition to the 1.26 percent of the net income from video lottery terminals which is directed to the town for the operation of the VLTs during normal operating hours.

The bill effectively extends the “sunset clause” of the 2008 legislation that allowed Twin River to open 24-hours a day on weekends and holidays. Legislative authorization of the additional hours of operation expired as of June 30, 2009, as did the additional compensation. However, the authorization to operate overnight on weekends and holidays was extended by the Administration through regulation. Earlier this week, the Rhode Island Lottery further authorized Twin River to operate expanded hours seven days a week. This legislation continues, via statute, the additional compensation that the town receives for hosting a gaming facility with expanded hours.

“As the host community of Twin River, it is only fair that the town of Lincoln receive this additional compensation,” said Senator Connors. “This legislation restores the compensation to the level it was increased to when 24-hour operation was first authorized at the facility, and to the level of compensation it was at until June 30. The additional compensation provides real property tax relief for the taxpayers of Lincoln.”

The legislation will sunset, or expire, on June 30, 2010. It has been sent to the Governor for his consideration.

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