Las Vegas Sun

April 26, 2024

Narragansetts propose new casino referendum

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Narragansett Indian Tribe on Wednesday said it would attempt to ask voters again to approve plans to build a resort-style casino in West Warwick.

Members of the tribe, along with legislative sponsors and a representative from Harrah's Entertainment, introduced a bill that would put a casino referendum before the voters at a special election in November.

The tribe has tried for more than a decade to get approval for a casino. A crucial difference this time around is that the casino would be operated by the state, which sponsors of the legislation said would resolve the constitutional objections that derailed the referendum last year.

"I believe we have legislation that will meet every legislative and judicial test,"said Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas, of the tribe.

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