Indian Gaming > Narragansett Tribe pitches gaming idea to Rhode Island governor

Narragansett Tribe pitches gaming idea to Rhode Island governor

Thursday, March 3, 2011
Filed Under: Casino Stalker

Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas of the Narragansett Tribe met with Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee (I) on Wednesday to discuss gaming.

The tribe wants to buy Twin River Casino, a slot machine facility, and convert it into a casino. Thomas said the goal is to keep gambling dollars in the state.

"If you look over in Connecticut, those casinos are full of Rhode Islanders, and if they put table games in [Massachusetts], they are going to be full of Rhode Islanders, so regardless of the percentage, Rhode Island is going to lose," Thomas told reporters, according to The Providence Journal. "They are going to lose out on jobs, and they are going to lose out on the ability to capture the market."

But Twin River isn't for sale, a spokesperson said. And Chafee, who initially said he was open to the idea, indicated he will commission a study of all gaming options in the state.

Get the Story:
Narragansett sachem, Chafee discuss casino proposal (The Providence Journal 3/3)
Despite tribe's interest, Twin River is not for sale (The New London Day 3/3)
Chafee: Twin River deal for tribe seems doubtful (AP 3/2)