Narragansett casino bid taken off November ballot

Monday, August 16, 2004  

A Rhode Island judge on Friday ruled that a vote on the Narragansett Tribe's proposed casino was unconstitutional.

In response, the tribe and its partner Harrah's Entertainment said they would drop their casino push for the year. The tribe said it would consider other options, including amending the constitution, giving the state more of a role in the casino or repealing a federal law that limits the ribe's gaming rights.

The judge said the casino would have been illegal because the state constitution outlaws "privately" run lotteries. The courts have ruled that a casino is a lottery.

Gov. Donald Carcieri (R) led the fight against the casino. He said the tribe's operation would have taken money away from two existing gaming facilities that are taxed by the state.

Get the Story:
Casino vote is off Nov. ballot (The Providence Journal 8/14)
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No casino on the ballot (Journal Register News Service 8/14)
Casino ballot question barred; Harrah’s won’t contest (AP 8/14)
CASINO BILL FIGHT OVER FOR THIS YEAR (The Westerly Sun 8/14)