Narragansett Tribe faces difficult battle

FROM THE ARCHIVE

Its been a long 8 year battle for the Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island. After suffering several setbacks, including voter rejection in 1994, federal rejection in 1996, and the recent loss (and potential lawsuit) of their former partner in gaming, the tribe is ready to tackle the issue once again, as their casino proposal goes before the Legislature in their tiny state.

Source:
Indian casino plan goes before House panel. The Associated Press. April 7, 2000.

Ask Indianz.Com:
Why are the Narragansett subject to Rhode Island gambling law? When the tribe won their lands claim case in the 1970s, they agreed to grant the state civil and criminal jurisdiction over their tribal lands, known legally as "Settlement Lands." State law requires voter approval for any casino approval. In 1994, the tribe had attempted to have the National Indian Gaming Commission approve a bingo hall and as a result, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act was amended in 1996 to exclude Settlement Lands from its provisions. The NIGC therefore could not approve their request, leaving the Narragansett reliant on state approval again.

Relevant Links:
Narragansett background brought to you by the IHS.
Narragansett history by Dickshovel.
Boyd Gaming - The tribe's new partner.
The National Indian Gaming Commission regulates tribal gaming.
Full text of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
National Indian Gaming Association