PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Democratic House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello says the state lottery cost taxpayers money by not ordering the removal of 360 underperforming video slots machines from the Twin River casinos sooner.
Mattiello told WPRO’s Gene Valicenti on Friday that leaving dated, underperforming machines on the casino floor costs money because the state and Twin River share in the profits.
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The lottery ordered the removal of the underperforming machines in August. A lottery spokesman said Friday he would discuss Mattiello’s comments with senior staff before answering questions.
The electronic games were provided by gambling company International Game Technology. Mattiello faulted the lottery for having a “too incestuous” relationship with IGT.
Mattiello says contractual provisions must be enforced and the lottery has been delinquent in fulfilling its obligations. He called for a review.
