Twin River is a fairly small casino located in Lincoln, Rhode Island just outside of Providence. They are somewhat of a hybrid between a resort-casino and a racino, though they do not offer a hotel or any amenities. The venue started out in the 1940’s as “Lincoln Raceway” which strictly offered thoroughbred and greyhound racing. Since that time they have underwent several ownership/management changes, and it wasn’t until 1992 when they expanded their gaming options to feature slot machines. It is worth noting that the age to gamble here, like most Rhode Island casinos, is just 18 years old.
In 2013 Twin River started to expand its gambling options and began offering table games. This was in part due to nearby competition from places like Foxwoods, Mohegan and other resort casinos which opened up in neighboring states like Connecticut. On a side note, and probably irrelevant – but I found it entertaining; Unlike come other casinos which often picture big 6-figure winners, Twin Rivers does a pretty poor job of this, with their biggest winner holding a $2,500 check: http://www.twinriver.com/winner-photos/.
Casino at Twin River Casino
[table]
The casino at Twin River offers both smoke-free and smoking floors, with the 1st floor allowing smoking and the second floor not allowing it. The casino as a whole currently has 108 table games and more than 4,200 virtual games like slots, virtual blackjack, video poker etc. Since they now offer live blackjack, I’m not sure why you would want to play it on a machine, but you do have the option. The slots available here include all the popular games like Buffalo, Quick Hit, Wheel of Fortune, Top Dollar and other casino favorites.
In their smoke-free second floor section, they have about 28 table games and 800 slots. This means that a large majority of the games offered at Twin River are located within the smoking area. The table games offered here include all the usual suspects like blackjack, Baccarat, Pai Gow, Roulette, Let it Ride, Craps, Three Card Poker and the likes.
They also have an all new Poker Room, though I have never been there. The Poker Room apparently has a total of 16 tables which offer a mix of 7-card stud and Texas Hold’Em (both limit and no limit). The last time I visited Twin River was probably in 2014, and from what I remember it was not very impressive. The casino seemed to be pretty depressing overall, and was also very smoky. Their virtual machines do not utilize RNG’s but rather use a video lottery terminal system, which is different from other popular gambling destinations like Vegas or AC.
Racebook at Twin River
The Twin River Casino offers a fairly large racebook which is now smoke-free. They offer free Greyhound and Harness Racing Programs, which can be a plus if you are a racing enthusiast. There are plenty of seats here, as well as a number of televisions with live simulcasts, so you are usually able to find a seat and watch the races you bet on. Though they had offered live greyhound racing for several decades, in the end it became to costly to operate (draining them of over $10 million per year). In 2010 they ceased hosting the live greyhound races, but you are still able to bet on similar races via the racebook which simulcasts events from other tracks. You can also bet on all types of horse races from around the world via the racebook.
Restaurants and Bars at Twin River
One of the benefits of visiting Twin River is it’s large offering of food options. Though not as substantial as some of the larger names in gaming, they do offer a nice selection and also employ two world renowned chefs. Their dining options range from an upscale steakhouse to several food courts as well as a few bars, pubs and lounges. Below is a full list of dining options you have at Twin River.
Restaurant Food
– Fred & Steve’s Steakhouse
– Wicked Good Bar & Grill
Fast Food
– Johnny Rockets
– Dunkin Donuts
– Sbarro
– KFC
– Taco Bell
– Subway
– Haagen-Daza
– Colonel’s Buffet
Bars & Lounges
– Lighthouse Bar
– Shipyard Pub
– Blackstone Cigar Bar
– Rhodehouse Live
As you can see from the list above, Twin River offers more in the way of fast food and national food-chains then they do gourmet or upscale food joints. They do offer one somewhat upscale steakhouse, which I guess is a plus and they have a nice selection of bars. If you have a Twin River Rewards Card, you should be able to use your points at most restaurants.
Twin River Rewards Program
Twin River does offer a player rewards program. The program is pretty standard when compared to others such as the Total Rewards program from Caesars. When you are signed up for the program, you will receive a card, which will allow you to acquire points when playing. Points can be used for free play, buying gifts at their store or for food. They will also mail/email you promotions and free play. The only downside is, the points/card is not applicable to any other casinos, so it must be used at Twin River.
Hotel at Twin River
Like many other racetrack casinos, Twin River does not currently have an on-site hotel or resort. This means if you are visiting you’ll either have to plan a day-trip or choose a hotel that’s nearby. Needless to say, you can’t get comped rooms and all that good stuff, though some local hotel’s will offer exclusive deals if you mention you’re staying at the casino.
Pingback: Rhode Island Becomes First New England State to Add Sportsbooks to Casinos
rest rooms very dirty tom
My wife and I have been patrons when it was Lincoln Downs and it had a restaurant on the 3rd floor. It really was a dump. We were very happy when Twin River had their major renovation. We frequent T W at least once a week. I (we ) must say that Plainridge is getting to look better and better to us. We were there ( T R)this past Sunday (Feb 10th)…the ticket redemption machines were all down except for one. The cashier section was backed up…not enough help cashing out the tickets. A number of slot machines have a problem, they either have buttons that won’t work, on some machines when I enter my password numbers , it tells me the number is invalid..I have used that number a thousand times.The Beverage section on the first floor is usually out of ice, or cups. When there is a problem with a slot machine , you have to wait about 1/2 hr to see (find) someone to fix the problem.The place is really getting to look run down and shabby. Again I must emphasize how poorly the place is beginning to be run. and Plainridge is getting to look better to us.
I must agree that the slot number entry pads need updates and the new selfserve beverage kiosk is poorly maintained, and getting free play is next to imposible
At one time twin river was a fun place to go, unfortunately security has allowed the place to become a criminal hot spot. The security has only one concern, twin river’s money. Security does not care about the health, welfare and safety of the patrons. A week doesn’t go by where someone has been assaulted and or robbed. Any casino I’ve been in has rules. Rules are put into place to insure your safety and your good time. Twin river casino has no rules, security allows people to run wild. How can you enjoy yourself if every 2 minutes someone in asking you for money or cigarettes. How can you enjoy yourself if the person on the side of you has their bare feet or flip flops up on the machine right next to your beverage. How can you enjoy yourself if if the person on the side of you is eating and wipeing their grease and Silvia all over the machines. Twin river casino has the most laxed security of any casino in the country. If they hired responsible security twin river would be a fun place to go, like it used to be. Good luck.
Twin river is nasty. The self serve drinks are gone. The bathrooms have a nasty chemical vanilla smell. I win but being there make a me a smelly loser. If you go, go before 6am so most of the rift raft are sleeping!