From an ethical standpoint I agree. I don't think a casino alone necessarily gives a state a real competitive edge. I've been to some miserable towns whose sole enterprise is an enormous towering casino and its sad. Niagara NY isn't exactly fun.

From an economic standpoint, Rhode Island's economy is so heavily dependent on tourism and the service industry that it could use anything that helps to draw more foot traffic downtown, including in the off season. It may help to complement existing strengths Providence has with its music, arts, and food scene. Accessibility is another major factor. RI's three main casinos are either closed (Newport Grand), undersized (Tiverton), or they're Twin River which is like a "local compromise" you head to instead of the larger regional attractions of Foxwoods, Mohegan, and Encore Boston Harbor. Quonset was a bit of a shame because its well poised to leverage ferry service to the Vineyard, Newport, and Providence and there was an abundance of available open parcels. They're now parking lots, solar farms, or storage areas with scattered manufacturing facilities - and GDEB and Toray provide good jobs - but again it could have been a bit more strategically used.

Trust me, I'd rather have a company like Samsonite set up offices. Hell, I'd even compromise with Hasbro moving downtown. But, they aren't. The Superman building can't even get going with a tenant thanks to its clown of an owner.

Edit: BTW most of my blame here is laid squarely at the state for not lighting a fire under the asses of communities outside of Providence, and also Providence, to upzone or engage in some more conscientious regional planning. It's a small state. It should not be this cumbersome.