Proponents of a new Rhode Island casino are waiting for the results of mail-in ballots from the town of Tiverton before declaring victory.
Statewide voters on Tuesday approved Question 1 for a casino in Tiverton near the Massachusetts border. But the casino proposal can’t win unless a companion question is approved by Tiverton’s town voters.
Tiverton Town Question 8 was leading after Tuesday poll votes were counted but elections officials haven’t yet counted absentee ballots.
Casino campaign spokeswoman Patti Doyle says she’s optimistic the lead will hold after absentee votes are certified Thursday.
The measures would allow casino operator Twin River to transfer its license from the aging Newport Grand to the Tiverton casino. Proponents spent about $3 million on the campaign, but some Tiverton residents worried about gambling addiction.
