Twin River Casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island Is a Unique Experience

My unforgettable recent visit to Twin River Casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island was quite an experience. While I have been to Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino, it was my first visit to a small New England casino. Twin River Casino was formerly known as the Lincoln Park Greyhound.

Parking and Signage

Brown signs on Interstate 295 and Route 146 clearly led the way to Twin River. However, the traffic circle immediately before the casino was confusing. The rotary has two lanes and signs lead Twin River guests to use both. A small lit monumental Twin River sign can be easily missed.

A full parking lot greeted me and the entrances to the lot were quite confusing. Unlike Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods, there are no parking garages. I observed several "stalking for a spot"; waiting for someone to leave and take that spot. It reminded me of a mall parking lot at Christmas time. I drove up and down rows for 10-15 minutes before accidentally driving into valet parking. While there appeared to be plenty of valet spaces, I'd rather park myself.

After finding a spot, it was a long walk to the casino entrance and, unlike the mall; there are no identifying signage for you to remember where you parked.

Exiting the lot to get back on the main interstate was no picnic either.

Layout

Twin River consists of two levels. The upper level has a self-contained non-smoking gaming area with glass doors and walls with extremely clean air. Smoking is allowed in lower level gaming areas. Slot machines are on both levels while virtual table games are on the lower level. A racing grandstand is on the upper level while an event center and ballroom is on the lower level.

18 year olds can gamble in Rhode Island but the drinking age is 21 so beverage service on the gaming floor is limited to non-alcohol.

While retail and restaurants are located on both levels; most upper level restaurants close early. There are few retail outlets and they also close early. Restrooms are easy to find and while unattended, they were clean.
Dining

Lower level food options include a non-smoking enclosed food court market with Haagen-Dazs, Kentucky Fried Chicken, KFC Buffet, Taco Bell, Johnny Rockets, Subway, Soupman, and Dessert Express.

An enclosed west food court features Nathan's Hot Dogs, East Meets West Chinese, Dunkin' Donuts, and a seafood eatery named Jeat?.

Other lower level food and beverage services include Dunkin' Donuts, New York Pretzel, Blackstone's Martini and Cigar Bar, and Lighthouse Bar.

Upper level food outlets consist of Ronzio Pizza and Subs, a second Johnny Rockets, and a second Dunkin' Donuts. Other food outlets include Sapphire Restaurant and Lounge, Wicked Good Bar and Grill, Catch a Rising Star Comedy Club, and Fred and Steve's Steakhouse.

Gaming

After a few minutes of playing, I won $80 off the 2 cent Deal or No Deal machines. I played maximum bet, maximum lines for a chance to win the $2,000 jackpot. I had the opportunity to play the actual Deal or No Deal game and won 3,000 credits. While you can win the most playing the maximum; you can also lose your money just as quickly.

At most casinos, I would have left when I was ahead but because it was such an ordeal to park and find the smoke free area, I stuck around. Especially since the machines I wanted were not crowded.

While I saw a few slot attendants and technicians, I found no waitresses.

I also played the 25 cent American Classics and of course, the old fashioned triple 7's. In the end, I lost $15 of my own money.

Rewards

While I signed up online for the Twin River Rewards Player's Club card, the representative at the desk could not locate me in the system. There were no promotions for new sign-ups or for those with other casino cards. Every 100 points you earn is equal to a $1 to spend in shops and restaurants. I found no paper maps of the facility but maps are located on signs near the entrances.

Promotional kiosks are located throughout the casino but there was no promotion available when I had asked at the desk. I did get a free stretchy cord for my card.

In the end, I had 27 points, after circulating over $100. It was not enough points to buy anything!

Conclusion

I would not recommend going to Twin River unless you are in the area. Both Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods in Connecticut are larger, have their own hotels, and a much better selection of non-gaming options.

The Twin Rivers gaming area is larger than the MGM Grand at Foxwoods or the Mohegan Sun's Casino of the Wind. The non-smoking gaming area at Twin River is larger than those of Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods.

Twin River has more affordable casual dining options and the air in those areas seems cleaner than that experienced in either of the Connecticut casinos.