Lawmakers block casino referendum bill

A bill that would allow voters to consider a referendum to make Twin River and Newport Grand full-fledged casinos is being held in a Senate Committee.

The referendum would allow Rhode Island residents to decide if Rhode Island's two slot parlors would be allowed to add blackjack and roulette along side it's video lottery terminals .

Supporters of the plan say it will create an estimated $20 million to $40 million dollars a year in revenue for the state. It could also help keep Twin River, which is on the verge of bankruptcy, afloat.

"Everyone's in a pinch moneywise. This is a win-win for everyone," says Senator John Tassoni , a democrat who is sponsoring the legislation.

Critics say Rhode Island isn't ready for full-fledged casinos.

"We think that the state has to continue to find other ways... other than kind of living off the people who have a problem," says Father Eugene McKenna of the opposition group Citizens Concerned about Casino Gambling.

If the bill ever makes it out of Committee, it then needs to be passed by the full Senate, the full House and be signed by the Governor.