House Nears Vote On Casino Amendment in Rhode Island
The House of Representatives approved a constitutional amendment Thursday night that would allow the Narragansett Indian Tribe and an unnamed business partner to open a casino in West Warwick. The amendment enables the tribe to skirt a provision in the Rhode Island constitution requiring state authorities to run all lotteries, including casinos.
The state Supreme Court has twice ruled against casino gambling bills that it said didn't give state authorities enough control over casino operations. The amendment, passed by a vote of 44-28 in the House, now goes to the Senate. If both chambers approve it, voters will have their say on changing the constitution in November. "We're happy," Narragansett Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas said.
"We're looking forward to the Senate and we hope we have the same sort of support and, at the end of the day, get on the ballot. "Rep. Timothy Williamson, D-West Warwick, originally introduced an amendment setting a tax of 25 percent to 40 percent on gaming income generated by the proposed casino. The House finance committee stripped away that language earlier this week, which means legislators must set a tax rate after voting on the amendment.
June 1, 2006
Posted By Hector Rodriquez
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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