NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) – The owners of the Newport Grand gambling parlor, having secured state approval for an expansion, are now considering selling the property.

Under a deal struck last month with the Gov. Donald Carcieri’s administration, Newport Grand gets to add 800 new slot machines, but must also complete a $20 million expansion that includes a hotel, along with new restaurant and bar space.

The contract stipulates funding for the improvements must be in place by Dec. 31. Chief Executive Officer Diane Hurley told The Providence Journal that the casino’s financial adviser has suggested three options for generating the necessary cash, including selling all or part of the former jai alai fronton.

“They suggested that that we should be open to any possibilities on a go-forward basis,” she said, “including the $20-million investment … a joint venture or a potential sale.

“Over the last many years, there have been numerous inquiries put forward to me,” Hurley said. She said they have not made any decisions, and so far have not entertained any offers.

Newport Grand is one of two state-sponsored slot machine halls in Rhode Island. In November, Carcieri’s administration quietly signed a contract that required Newport Grand to build a 90-room hotel and replace its jai alai court with restaurants and bars in return for adding the slot machines.

Jeff Neal, a spokesman for Gov. Don Carcieri, said Carcieri was unaware of any plans for a sale when state officials signed the deal. He said state regulators will carefully review the credentials of any new owner before granting a license.

The casino is also required to expand its work force to 360 full-time employees. The company now employs 175 people.