Rhode Island governor wants Narragansett Tribe in gaming talks

Wednesday, February 9, 2011  

Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee (I) says the Narragansett Tribe should be included in discussions about an expansion of gaming in the state.

Federal law bars the tribe from engaging in gaming on its reservation and the tribe cannot acquire land outside of its reservation under the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Carcieri v. Salazar. The tribe has sought voter approval for a casino under state law but has been rejected more than once.

Meanwhile, non-Indian gaming has grown in the state. The Twin River Casino started off as a racetrack and was expanded with slot machines and now there is talk of adding table games.

The tribe gets a small share of revenues from slots at the facility -- this year's payment is expected to be $721,854. Chafee said the tribe should "have a seat at the table" if Twin River is going to add more games.

When Chafee served in the Senate, he opposed legislation that would allow the tribe to engage in gaming on its land.

Get the Story:
R.I. leaders open to casino talks (The Providence Journal 2/9)