Narragansett Indian Tribe Casino Proposal Voted Down in R.I.

Harrah's spent more than $11 million in Rhode Island to promote the idea that casino gambling belongs in the state. However, their partnership with the Narragansett Indian Tribe to promote the amendment to legalize a casino that would be built in West Warwick was shot down by voters.

This was the third time this amendment has been defeated in the state even though Harrah's insisted the casino would bring more than $140 per year into the state.

In a statement released after the amendment was defeated late Tuesday night Harrah's Entertainment wrote to thank their partner, Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas of the Narragansett Tribe. "We share your disappointment at being denied the right to a casino on your sovereign land, a right that every other federally recognized tribe in the United States enjoys. We hope that someday Congress corrects this injustice. We believe you deserve no less."

"You knock us down, we're going to get right back up," Chief Thomas said, speaking of future ambitions to get a casino on his land.

The casino issue was one of nine ballot questions that included proposals to boost funding for the state's rainy day fund and authorize almost $400 million in spending to build commuter railways, repair roads and construct affordable housing.

November 8, 2006
Posted By Susan Torres
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