For more than a decade, Rhode Islanders’ appetite for gambling has grown steadily, as gamblers have pumped ever more money into the state’s expanding number of video-slot machines.

But now business at the state’s two slot parlors has not only slowed but has actually shrunk.

For the first time since video-slot machines were introduced in 1993, both Lincoln Park and Newport Grand are taking in substantially less money than they did the year before.

This could have dramatic consequences for the state, which is already struggling with a $105.1-million shortfall this year and a potential $254-million deficit next year. The state gets about 60 percent of every dollar gamblers lose at the two slot parlors. Only the sales and personal income taxes bring in more revenue.

Lincoln Park is in the midst of a major renovation and expansion project. The owners of the greyhound track have blamed its decline for some time on the construction and inconvenience it has created for gamblers.

Things were great for Lincoln Park at the start of 2006. At that time, the new owners — BLB Investors — had a heavy marketing campaign, and revenue at the track was the highest on record for that time period. Then in April, just as construction really got under way and parking lots were relocated, things started to go downhill.

The track has yet to recover.

Revenue has been down in seven of the last eight months compared with the same period the year before. For instance, slots were down 11.5 percent in November compared with November 2005.

“We feel there is direct correlation between the increase in construction and the decrease in business,” said track spokeswoman Cynthia Stern. “We’ve inconvenienced our guests and they’ve been very patient.”

Stern said construction would taper off this spring when the track opens the centerpiece of its $220-million expansion, which includes new restaurants, a buffet that will seat more than 300 people, more gambling space and a 2,100-seat sports and entertainment arena. Stern said those amenities should help boost revenue.

Senate President Joseph A. Montalbano, D-North Providence, also attributes the drop at Lincoln Park to construction.

“It really discouraged a lot of patrons, especially elderly ones, from maybe going as they usually did,” Montalbano said.

The situation at Newport Grand is even bleaker: revenue has been down there during 16 of the last 20 months.

Newport Grand spokeswoman Amy Kempe said the facility would benefit from a planned expansion and the upcoming implementation of a player tracking and reward system similar to those at casinos in Connecticut.

Newport Grand has talked about expanding for more than a year but has yet to make any substantial improvements. It has sued the City of Newport over a zoning decision that essentially blocks its expansion plans. Newport Grand has been for sale for more than a year, but co-owner and CEO Diane S. Hurley has refused to comment on any potential deal.

From July through December, revenue from Lincoln Park’s slot machines was down 5.7 percent from the same six months in 2005. Revenue at Newport Grand was down 1.1 percent during that same period, following more than a year of decline. Overall, the state’s take is down by 4.9 percent.

State budget analysts had originally predicted that the state would take in $292 million — a 13.9-percent increase — from slot machines during this fiscal year, which ends June 30.

But when they last met on Nov. 10, the analysts from the House, Senate and governor’s office decided that their prior prediction made in May was unrealistic. They came up with a new estimate of $255 million. Now it appears even that target might be unattainable. Last year, the state took in $256.4 million from 4,672 slot machines.

“We’re always looking for new revenue by way of economic development. But I don’t think it’s anybody’s agenda to expand gambling in Rhode Island,” Montalbano said. “The less we rely on it, the better it is for us. But it’s a fact of being able to fund all of the programs we need to fund. It is our third-largest source [of income] right now.”

Voters in November overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to build a casino in West Warwick.

House Finance Committee Chairman Steven M. Costantino, D-Providence, said he is concerned that the drop in gambling revenue will compound the state’s budget problems.

“Certainly,” he said, “you have to be concerned that there hasn’t been growth at Lincoln” which accounts for more than 80 percent of the slot play.

At least one lawmaker is looking to expand the types of gambling in hopes of boosting revenue.

Rep. William San Bento Jr., D-Pawtucket, a longtime supporter of Lincoln Park and Newport Grand, wants to expand the types of slot machines allowed in Rhode Island and wants to consider high-stakes bingo.

Currently, only video-slot machines are allowed. San Bento is seeking machines with moving parts, including spinning reels. He has yet to file legislation for these changes and leadership has not signaled any support.

Last year, state leaders were blaming a gambling slowdown on rising gasoline prices. Now, some of them are baffled by the drop.

“I’m not sure what is happening,” Costantino said. “The amount of disposable income is lower. The housing market. Energy costs. That’s what I’ve always thought. I’m just not sure that’s the issue anymore.”