Opinion: Not enough known about Narragansett casino

Monday, August 28, 2006  

"As Rhode Islanders prepare for the November ballot referendum on a proposed casino, there are many critical unanswered questions to consider. All we have been promised is that the proposed casino would allegedly create jobs and lower property taxes.

Despite the reassurance of our legislators that the details "will be worked out," 10 key issues need to be addressed by either Harrah's or the Narragansett Indian Tribe before the vote. To paraphrase Joseph Campbell, "He who thinks he knows, doesn't know. He who knows he doesn't know, knows."

Operations. Will this be the Harrah's Narragansett casino? If so, will the primary fiduciary obligation be to enrich the Harrah's shareholders? Or will this be the Narragansetts' Harrah's casino? If so, will the primary fiduciary obligation be to enrich the Narragansett tribal members? What will be the day-to-day role of the tribe in the operation of the casino?

Regulatory oversight. Who will oversee the casino's gambling operations, as Rhode Island does not have a Gambling Commission (the bill died in Senate committee this year)? Who will guarantee the "fairness" of gambling (machine payouts, etc.)? Who will perform background checks on casino employees? Who will maintain a list of "undesirable" patrons (persons excluded for cheating, vandalism, theft, etc.)? Will the casino offer "self-exclusion," the process by which a patron can request to be barred from the casino? Who will process and maintain the list?

Law enforcement. Who will have jurisdiction over the casino: local, state, or tribal police? What happens when self-excluded patrons attempt admission? Will they be ejected or charged with criminal trespass? How will "abandoned children" be provided for? How will on-site suicides be handled?

Liquor. What type of licenses(s) will the casino have? When will liquor be served? Will there be "complimentary drinks" for gambling patrons?"

Get the Story:
Thomas Broffman: What do we really know about the proposed casino? (The Providence Journal 8/27)