Rhode Islanders deciding whether to legalize casino gambling
Rhode Islanders are voting today on a constitutional amendment that would
allow an Indian tribe to build a casino in West Warwick. At a cost of more
than 14 (m) million dollars, the campaign has been one of the most expensive
in state history. The Narragansett Indian Tribe has been repeatedly thwarted
in its almost decade-long attempt to enter the casino gambling market. Rhode
Island's constitution bans privately operated casinos, and the state's top
court twice struck down gambling bills because judges said they did not give
state authorities enough control over casino operations. Tribal leaders say
a fully functional casino could produce up to 144 (m) million dollars
annually to help reduce property taxes. Opponents warn the state could lose
money in the deal if it must reimburse two existing slot parlors for lost
business.
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