TIVERTON, R.I. (WPRI) — The new Tiverton Casino Hotel opened its doors to the public today.
Hundreds of people lined up outside the building Saturday morning, well before the opening time of 10 a.m.
One woman was even there five hours early.
“I was excited until they told me I couldn’t come in until 10!” said Pawtucket resident Bambi Gabriel. “Instead of me driving all the way home, I just sat in the parking lot and put all my lucky jewelry on!”
Gabriel was one of the first to try out the 1,000 slot machines, 32 table games and much more.
“It’s gonna bring a lot of jobs a lot of revenue into the town of Tiverton, I think it’s great,” said Somerset resident Andrew Gacioch.
Many expect this to also bring in more business to nearby establishments.
“I think it will be good for everyone,” said Renee Blake, a lifelong Tiverton resident who is a manager at Country Kitchen. “I think it will do wonders for the business here there is no breakfast going into the casino so we’re literally across the street so I think that will do wonders for us.”
While some were concerned about a potential increase in crime and traffic that the new casino could bring, the general opinion on opening day was positive.
“I think it will help I mean with the taxes and everything, I think it’s going to benefit the town,” added Tiverton resident Christine Motta. “There might be a little bit of a traffic problem because I think this roundabout is a little too small, but other than that no, I think it’s great I think it’s real good, yes.”
In total, 550 people will work at the Tiverton Casino Hotel, including nearly every employee from the now closed Newport Grand Casino.
