Lawmakers tout Narragansett Tribe casino bill

Friday, March 24, 2006  

Rhode Island lawmakers introduced a bill earlier this week to legalize a casino for the Narragansett Tribe.

The bill calls for a referendum to change the state constitution. Changes are needed in order to allow a non-state entity to engage in gaming, according to legal experts.

"Approval of this amendment will authorize a resort casino in the town of West Warwick, to be privately owned and operated in association with the Narragansett Indian Tribe, with tax proceeds from the casino being dedicated to property-tax relief," the proposed referendum reads.

The lawmakers are promising $119 million to $144 million in tax relief but opponents are questioning the figures. The tribe and its partner Harrah's Entertainment estimate the casino will generate $560 million in gross revenues a year.

Get the Story:
Casino backers tout millions in property-tax aid (The Providence Journal 3/24)
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Bill calls for referendum on casino (The Providence Journal 3/24)