Tribe to appeal casino ballot ruling

NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (WPRI) -- The Narragansett Indian Tribe announced Thursday it will appeal a Superior Court ruling on a casino ballot question.

"We know that this is most likely going to be an exercise in futility, however, it will shed light on the sordid deals that the State has entered into with private casino companies by labeling them 'state operated' casinos...," Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas said in a news release.

• Judge: Casino question can be on ballot

He is publicly calling for a meeting with state leaders, including Gov. Lincoln Chafee. 

The tribe claims a proposed ballot question for this fall, which would allow table games at Newport Grand and Twin River, is unconstitutional.

"I know of no other states in the entire U.S. that is so blatantly discriminatory towards a federally recognized Indian Tribe," Thomas said.

Patti Doyle a spokesperson for Twin River issued the following statement in response to the appeal:

“We’re pleased that the Superior Court has allowed this important referendum question to appear on the ballot this November and we remain completely confident that this decision will be upheld. The court rightly places the question of table game expansion squarely in the hands of the Rhode Island public who can now determine the importance of preserving 900 existing jobs, the promise of some 650 new jobs and the protection of an invaluable annual revenue stream in the neighborhood of $270 million to the state.”

Last week, a Superior Court judge ruled against the Narragansetts -- saying the referendum could appear on the state ballot in November.