Rhode Island Senate begins gaming hearings

Tuesday, May 25, 2004  

A Rhode Island Senate committee began hearings on Monday on the Narragansett Tribe's casino proposal.

Gary Loveman, CEO and president of Harrah's Entertainment, the tribe's partner in the project, testified. He was asked why the tribe was involved at all in a deal that will send millions to the state but far less to the tribe.

The tribe and Harrah's say the state will get $114 million and $128 million in annual revenues. The tribe would get $20 million a year. After 20 years, the tribe would have the option of taking over the casino.

Lawmakers are considering putting the casino on the November ballot. The tribe needs state approval to proceed. The House already held hearings on the proposal.

Get the Story:
Grilling of Harrah's shifts to Senate (The Providence Journal 5/25
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Harrah's says casino will be boon to state (AP 5/24)