Rhode Island: Twin River moving forward with expansion

Two additions are being proposed: one to add to the gaming floor, and one to expand space put aside for a spa off the casino’s newly constructed hotel, which was completed in 2018.

Project engineers said there would also be a small food court added to the new gaming area.

Town Zoning Official Russell Hervieux said the casino was coming before the town for a major land development in an effort to be fully transparent, but that they weren’t technically required to go through planning as a 50 percent renovation.

“I think we should commend Twin River for going through this process and being transparent with the town,” Hervieux said.

Town Solicitor Tony DeSisto said he reviewed the casino’s plans, and “because of the nature of the project and the unique facility, I thought it best that it go through this process, but Russ is correct they are before the TRC and Planning Board voluntarily.”

“Twin River is actually very proud of this project and think that it’s good for not only the casino but for the town and the state,” he said.

Craig Sculos, Twin River’s vice president and general manager, agreed that casino officials are proud of the project, and said the casino is looking forward to continuing its partnership with the town.

Plans for expanding the Lincoln campus were announced in January by Twin River and IGT.

At that time, Twin River CEO Marc Crisafulli said they plan to “dramatically change the smoking/nonsmoking profile” of the casino with a hardline divider.

Current gaming space on the second floor will be moved down to the first-floor expansion, opening up space upstairs for a bowling alley, mini golf course or other amenity.

The plans also call for the addition of a new direct entrance into the facility to service the hotel area and a 10,000-square-foot addition to be built onto the hotel’s exiting 4,000-square-foot spa space.

The proposal marks a $150 million investment from IGT with another $100 million from Twin River. The expansion is moving on to a public informational hearing in September.