The Rhode Island Supreme Court issued an advisory opinion on Thursday that spelled death for the Narragansett Tribe's proposed casino.

The state constitution prohibits a private-run lottery. A casino is the same as a lottery, so the casino and the ballot question authorizing it is illegal, the court said in its opinion.

The decision is a victory for Gov. Donald Carcieri (R), who opposes the casino. Along with attorney general Patrick Lynch, he filed a motion to have the casino question removed from the November ballot. A hearing is scheduled today.

Narragansett chief sachem Matthew Thomas said the tribe was considering ways to keep the casino proposal alive. But the secretary of state said it is too late to add new questions to the ballot.

The tribe partnered with Harrah's Entertainment for an off-reservation casino in West Warwick. The town supports a casino.

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Justices advise casino bill illegal (The Providence Journal 8/13)
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Judges say no to casino (Journal Register News Service 8/13)