Plans by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe to build a casino in Taunton, Massachusetts, will not affect Twin River's quest to create a so-called "convenience casino" in Tiverton, a Twin River spokeswoman said Monday,
"It has no bearing on our plans in Tiverton," spokesman Patti Doyle said.
The Mashpee Wampanoags are staging a noon Monday news conference at Taunton City Hall to discuss their plans.
Twin River unveiled a concept in April to create a casino in a remote section of Tiverton, close to the state line with Fall River, as a way of countering the casino threat from Massachusetts. Gambling is Rhode Island's third-largest source of state revenue.
Twin River's plan includes taking gambling out of Newport Grand, where residents have opposed expanded gambling, and relocating video lottery terminals and adding 30 to 40 table games in Tiverton.
In light of the Taunton proposal, Doyle called Twin River's plans for Tiverton "the best opportunity to preserve and enhance" Rhode Island's share of gambling revenue.
Twin River plans to stage the last in a series of public meetings in Tiverton Tuesday evening, Doyle said. The company plans to present fresh specifics on its Tiverton plan in October, she said, and hopes the Tiverton Town Council will back the concept with a vote in November. The proposal would also face approval by local and statewide voters.
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