Exec withdraws application for RI casino

PROVIDENCE—A Las Vegas gambling executive who had applied for a license to operate a gambling facility in Rhode Island with an eye toward taking over the financially troubled Twin River slot parlor, has withdrawn his application as he turns his attention to Massachusetts.

The director of Rhode Island’s Department of Business Regulation says William Warner said he was ending his bid for a license.

Michael Marques told The Providence Journal that Twin River’s creditors were uncomfortable with Warner’s proposal to build a resort casino in Milford, Mass., about 20 miles away.

The department began reviewing Warner’s background last summer when he came under consideration for taking over management of Twin River in Lincoln. The company that operates Twin River has filed for bankruptcy protection.