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A new book about tribes and tribal gaming in Connecticut has grabbed the spotlight in New England. But Rhode Island has its own casino debate to consider.

The Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island has been fighting for a casino in the state for 8 years. After winning legal battles in the late 70s and early 80s, they have suffered several setbacks.

Voters in five different communities turned down the tribe in 1994. So the tribe tried to appeal to the federal government. But in 1996, a potential loophole in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 was closed, causing the National Indian Gaming Commission to reject their bid for a bingo hall.

The tribe most recently fired its former partner, Capital Gaming, in September of 1999, replacing them with Boyd Gaming. All parties were in negotiation over a buy out of the company's management contract but those talks stalled in April.

Capital then threatened to sue the tribe and Boyd for failing to abide by an agreement that would pay back the company $9.9 million for its money invested in the project. So far a suit has not been filed.

Undaunted, the tribe last month began pitching its plan for $500 million casino in the town of West Warwick. The town is poor and some residents want a casino in hopes of bringing money to the long neglected town. The town approved the tribe's proposal last summer by a 2-to-1 margin in a non-binding referendum.

But Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Almond said he opposes any casino and will veto any bills for it. The tribe wants a gaming referendum on the November ballot.

Unlike their Pequot neighbors, the Narragansett are subject to state law gambling law, due to an agreement in their land claims settlement. State law requires voter approval for any casino project.

So the tribe's casino would be unlike other tribal gaming facilities. State law, not IGRA would apply. And since the casino is proposed to be built on 60 acres of private property, the tribe would have to pay property taxes.

Critics and supporters of the casino continue to debate over the financial, social, and political merits of the plan. Judging by their previous actions, the tribe will keep on pushing for the casino if it fails this year.

Relevant Links:
Narragansett background brought to you by the IHS.
Narragansett history by Dickshovel.
Boyd Gaming - The tribe's new partner.