Narragansett chief worried about Massachusetts

Wednesday, June 13, 2007  

The leader of the Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island says the state will lose money if a casino opens in Massachusetts.

Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas was upset that the owners of a racetrack in Rhode Island now plan to finance a casino by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts. His tribe has been blocked from opening a casino.

"Everything we deal on is a battle with us. Some may say it's sour grapes, but when you have a right taken away from you, anyone who doesn't stand up for what they believe, I think, would be unfortunate," Thomas told the Associated Press.

The tribe wants Congress to repeal a rider that blocks gaming on the reservation but the effort is opposed by the state's Congressional delegation.

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Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas speaks out on proposed MA casino (AP 6/13)