Narragansett Tribe questions effort to expand slots facility

Friday, April 29, 2011  

The Narragansett Tribe is questioning a bill that would turn Twin River Casino, a slot machine facility, into a full-fledged casino.

Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas said any expansion of gaming must go on the state ballot. He cited a 2005 Rhode Island Supreme Court decision that forced the tribe to seek voter approval for a casino.

Twin River houses about 4,750 electronic gambling machines. The Rhode Island Lottery gets 61 cents for every dollar gambled there.

A small portion of the state's share goes to the tribe. This year's payment is expected to be $721,854 out of $261.4 million projected for the state.

Get the Story:
Narragansett Tribe questions plan for Twin River (The Providence Journal 4/29)

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