Rhode Island Court Rejects Casino Proposal

RHODE ISLAND – As reported by the Connecticut Day: "The Rhode Island Supreme Court ruled Monday that proposed legislation that would allow a Harrah's Entertainment/Narragansett Indian casino in West Warwick, R.I., would not give the state adequate control and is unconstitutional.

"Chief Justice Frank J. Williams and Justices Paul A. Suttell and William P. Robinson III issued the nonbinding advisory opinion, having heard oral arguments last month. It was the court's second decision in two years concerning the tribe's continued attempts to open a casino in partnership with a major gaming company.

"Had the legislation passed constitutional muster, it would have been presented to voters in a statewide referendum.

"…The justices said the legislation had 'several significant shortcomings, at least some of which are constitutionally fatal.' The state would have no control over what table games would be offered or over the extension of credit at the proposed casino, the justices wrote, noting that the casino would be able to pass on bad debts to the state.

"…Also, the justices said the proposal did not give the state a role in the choice of a casino provider…"