When the Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island sought voter approval for a casino, lawmakers insisted on several concessions before putting the issue on the ballot.

But Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas questioned why lawmakers aren't making similar demands now that the owners of Twin River Casino are seeking to turn their slot machine facility into a full-fledged casino. Thomas said the biggest issue is a licensing fee.

“We were forced to commit to a $100 million licensing fee up-front," Thomas told the House Finance Committee, The Providence Journal reported.

“Even Massachusetts has asked for up to $250 million in up-front licensing fees,” Thomas added . “This legislation has $0 for a licensing fee ... Where’s the taxpayer protection? Is it a ‘work it out later’ deal?”

Twin River shares a portion of its revenues with the state. Of the state's share, a small percentage goes to the Narragansetts.

Get the Story:
Twin River pushes for gambling referendum (The Providence Journal 5/26)

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