Net income from RI’s slot parlors down slightly

PROVIDENCE—Rhode Island lottery officials say visitors gambled more money at the state’s slot parlors in Lincoln and Newport last month, but net income at both facilities was down.

A lottery spokeswoman said that’s probably because people are cashing out earlier when they visit Twin River or Newport Grand.

Video slot machines netted more than $41 million in July, about 1.3 percent less than in the previous July.

Players put more than $214 million into the machines last month, up nearly 7 percent from July 2008.

Officials said considering the economy, Rhode Island’s gambling facilities are doing well compared to others around the country.

The state receives about 61 percent of the net income.