Rhode Island worried over casinos’ performance
The opening of a casino in neighbouring Massachusetts has impacted Rhode Island casinos and lawmakers are worried over their performances.
US.- The opening of Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, Massachusetts, was expected to impact neighbouring states’ casinos. Two months after the opening, Rhode Island casinos are feeling the impact, and lawmakers in the state are worried that the bleeding won’t stop.
From August 18-24, Twin River Casino experienced a decrease of 20.5% in video slot revenue. The figure also decreased from US$9 million during the same week in 2018 to US$7.1 million in 2019.
State Sen. Frank Ciccone said during a Monday meeting: “How can we compete with Encore? I know everyone thinks it’s just going to be fly-by-night and people are going to come back, but player rewards, free play… two weeks ago, $500 free play… Rhode Island can’t compete with them,” he said according to Providence Journal.
The vice president and general manager of Twin River, Craig Sculos, asked the same question, as he doesn’t know how the casino can overcome Encore Boston Harbor’s strategy. “They are coming in strong, making a statement in the market. Our pitch, senator, is to say: ‘You don’t have to drive. It’s not 90 minutes. It’s two hours plus and we’ll take better care of you.’”
State Lottery Director Gerald Aubin said that gambling is the third-largest source of revenue in Rhode Island. The money that the casino is leaving the state is decreasing when compared to last year.
Sports betting launch
Aubin said that they do not have an exact timeframe or date for the kick-off of sports betting. “The hope is to have the mobile sports wagering begin on or before the National Football League season begins on September 5, 2019; but that date is subject to change based on testing results.”
