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der=0 cellpadding=3 cellspacing=0 width=100%> Tribe offers more to state
JUNE 13, 2000

Already facing challenges to its casino proposal from state legislators, the Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island offered the state a larger share of casino profits at a hearing on Monday held before the House Finance Committee.

The tribe and its backer, Boyd Gaming, told the Committee their casino would give the state $140 million in 2003, the first year of operation, and as much as $179.5 in 2008 with graduated taxes on slot-machine and table-game revenues.

Lawmakers who had said the earlier proposal was not enough were not impressed by the new offering. Committee chair Antonio Pires told The Providence Journal, "I wasn't overwhelmed by any stretch of the imagination."

The Committee will decide whether or not to place the proposal on the November ballot. A recent poll indicated voters want to decide on the proposal.

The tribe has to receive voter approval on its plan, due to its land claims settlement act, which grant the state civil and criminal authority.

Get the Story:
Casino backers sweeten the pot (The Providence Journal 6/13)