Monday, Aug. 8, 2005 | 9:17 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.
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