12-R389

2012 -- S 3069

Enacted 06/25/12

 

J O I N T R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND DIVISION OF LOTTERY TO WORK WITH TECHNOLOGY PROVIDERS AND CENTRAL COMPUTER SYSTEM PROVIDER TO ADDRESS THE APPLICATION OF THE PROMOTIONAL POINTS PROGRAM AND TO REPORT BACK TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

     

     

     Introduced By: Senator Maryellen Goodwin

     Date Introduced: June 12, 2012

 

 

     WHEREAS, According to a study commissioned by the Rhode Island Department of

Revenue, Christiansen Capital Advisors, LLC, anticipated competition from gaming facilities

recently authorized in Massachusetts could have a 25-40 percent negative impact on state

revenues generated from state-operated gaming in Rhode Island; and

     WHEREAS, Competition from gaming facilities in Massachusetts present an imminent

threat to state-operated gaming and in Rhode Island, which constitutes the third largest source of

revenue to the state; and

     WHEREAS, A substantial portion of state gaming revenue is generated from

Massachusetts residents; and

     WHEREAS, There is a need to safeguard the state’s ability to maximize revenues at

Twin River and Newport Grand in an increasingly competitive gaming market; and

     WHEREAS, It is in the state’s interest to ensure the two Rhode Island gaming facilities

and the related gaming industries successfully compete in a more competitive marketplace;

     WHEREAS, Part of the strategy to protect and maximize gaming revenue is to build on

recent success in revenue-driving techniques, such as promotional points programs, to position

gaming programs for long-term success while honoring preexisting contractual rights, if

applicable; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island and Providence

Plantations hereby requests the Rhode Island Division of Lottery to work with technology

providers and central computer system provider to address the application of the promotional

points program or otherwise, at the Division’s discretion, to ensure the Rhode Island gaming

industry and its technology providers remain competitive; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this General Assembly hereby requests the Division of Lottery to

submit a status report to the Governor, the Speaker of the House, the President of the Senate, and

the chairpersons of both the House and Senate Committees on Finance no later than February 1,

2013, to outline the status of this work to ensure progress is underway, to identify

recommendations under consideration, and to ascertain barriers to resolution of outstanding

issues; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Governor Lincoln Chafee, and the Director

of the Rhode Island Division of Lottery.

 

     

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LC02846

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