Rhode Island Legislators Consider Casino Amendment
The House of Representatives in Rhode Island is considering a constitutional amendment that would allow the Narragansett Indian Tribe and an unnamed business partner to open a casino in West Warwick. The amendment would eliminate a provision in the Rhode Island constitution that requires 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. If the House approves the amendment during a scheduled vote Thursday, it will go to the Senate. If both chambers give the OK, voters will have their say on changing the constitution in November.
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. The amendment does not say who will run the casino, but the tribe has long been partnered with Las Vegas-based Harrah's Entertainment.
May 27, 2006
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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