The Providence Journal last week asked Rhode Island’s gubernatorial candidates a question relating to gaming expansion. Gaming is the third largest source of revenue for state government.
The question was directed to — incumbent Democrat Gina Raimondo, Republican Allan Fung, Moderate Party candidate William Gilbert and independent candidates Joe Trillo and Luis-Daniel Munoz. Trillo declined to answer.
In light of the fact that the state budget is more dependent on gaming revenue that it was four years ago and there are proposals to expand gaming, the candidates were asked: “Is the state’s reliance on gambling a cause for concern and, if elected, would you support allowing either online betting or betting at more locations than the current Twin River casinos?”
A spokesman for Governor Raimondo replied: “We need to keep expanding our economy. When it comes to the casinos, we did everything we could to be in as strong a position as possible to benefit from the federal ruling regarding sports betting. The Governor and her team will continue to evaluate.”
Munoz replied: “In general, I do not think that Rhode Island’s economy should be reliant on gambling. I also do not believe in monopolies for any industry that has already been legalized.”
Gilbert’s answer was: “I don’t oppose the expansion of online gambling venues as it is in keeping with personal freedom and liberties, but I also don’t like reliance on gambling as a state revenue source. I believe we should be more focused on travel and tourism with gambling as a component of that total tourism package.”
The Fung campaign replied: “Mayor Fung would be supportive of online betting. However, he would demand that any expansion of betting outside of Twin River Casinos be put on a local ballot for approval or disapproval. There has to be an element of local control.”
