Report touting Narragansett casino questioned

Wednesday, May 12, 2004  

The author of a report touting the benefits of a tribal casino in Rhode Island is being accused of working for the gaming industry.

Clyde W. Barrow, director of the UMass-Dartmouth Center for Policy Analysis, wrote the report for the State Senate. He said the Narragansett Tribe's proposed casino would increase revenues for the state without hurting the business of two existing gaming facilities.

Sen. Leonidas Raptakis, a Democrat, accused Barrow of being connection to Harrah's Entertainment, the tribe's partner. The tribe and Harrah's have been including an earlier report by Barrow in their promotional package but Barrow said that study was made available to anyone.

Pro-union supporter of the casino rallied yesterday in advance of a hearing before the House Finance Committee today. The committee will take up the tribal proposal.

Get the Story:
Casino backers rally on eve of House hearing (The Providence Journal 5/12)
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Council passes resolution against casino (The Providence Journal 5/12)
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Unions rally for new casino (The Journal Register News Service 5/12)
Casino interests make their pitch to lawmakers (AP 5/11)
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Union workers rally for vote on proposed casino (AP 5/11)
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