State’s top court to take up casino proposal

Friday, Aug. 5, 2005 | 9:48 a.m.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The state Supreme Court is taking up the question of whether there should be a new casino in West Warwick, and is scheduled to hear oral arguments on Aug. 15.

The casino would be a partnership of the Narragansett Indian tribe and Las Vegas-based Harrah's Entertainment.

The court said last year that the casino proposal conflicted with the state Constitution's requirement that any lottery be state-run.

Lawmakers have revised the bill, and seek an advisory opinion. If the court approves the language, the casino would still need to be approved by Rhode Island voters.

Backers said in June that a vote has been delayed until November 2006 at the earliest, because there wouldn't be enough time for lawmakers to vote on a referendum and for a subsequent public support campaign.

Sandra Lanni, a lawyer representing the House, said the bill now passes constitutional muster because of added state involvement. Under the legislation, "the state retains the ultimate right to refuse any casino service provider that it deems unsuitable," Lanni wrote.

Also, the state would control how many games of each type are allowed, would have "appropriate means" to electronically monitor the slot machines, and could have state workers in person to ensure the games' integrity, Lanni said.

Joseph Larisa, arguing for Gov. Don Carcieri, said the Lottery Commission's abolishment -- stemming from the separation of powers constitutional amendment passed by voters last fall -- means state oversight is "purely speculative.