New Hampshire, Rhode Island push for more slots

"The demise of Gov. Deval Patrick's casino proposal has provided a perfect opportunity for neighboring states to jump into the gambling game at the expense of Massachusetts, legislators in the two states say.

"Now both the Granite State and the Ocean State are weighing proposals aimed at closing big budget gaps, largely on the backs of slot-machine-loving Bay State residents.

"...The perception that New Hampshire can take advantage of its big and more cumbersome neighbor to the south has helped revive interest in expanded gambling in Concord.

"...A $200 million budget deficit, which threatens to trigger a round of painful cuts, has also given Granite State gaming backers a better hand to play.

"...Meanwhile, to the south in Rhode Island, lawmakers are looking to expand gambling options at the state's two main slot machine venues.

"Rhode Island is preparing to authorize 24-hour gambling over the weekends at its flagship Twin River racino and at a slot complex in Newport, both already heavily frequented by gamblers from Massachusetts..."