A top lawmaker in Rhode Island says she thinks the state's General Assembly will authorize a referendum on permitting casino games at Newport Grand.
Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed told the Providence Chamber of Commerce Thursday she anticipates the referendum being approved for the fall ballot. The Newport Democrat stopped short of endorsing table games at the Newport Grand.
Newport's City Council voted Wednesday to ask the legislature to place the referendum on the ballot. Newport Grand called for the ballot question as it faces the prospect of a casino opening in southeastern Massachusetts.
The referendum would allow table games like blackjack and poker. The state Constitution requires casino referendums to pass both locally and statewide.
The General Assembly has scheduled a November referendum on casino games at Twin River.
