"Critics of the referendum note that Rhode Island voters have defeated attempts to authorize casinos in the Ocean State before, most recently in 2006 when voters turned down the Narragansett Indian Tribe's request to open a casino. State law requires voter approval of casinos.
"Every time this comes up it's rejected," said state Rep. Michael Marcello, D-Scituate. "At some point you have to respect the will of the voters. I think our time would be better spent trying to find other ways to bring more high paying jobs into the state."
A leading opponent of casinos in Rhode Island said the measures fail because voters don't believe the rosy predictions made by casino supporters. Rev. Eugene McKenna, president of Citizens Concerned About Casino Gambling, said a casino is more likely to increase gambling addiction than cure the state's fiscal woes.
"The people of Rhode Island see it's a false hope," he told The Associated Press. "So many people know somebody whose life has been ruined or seriously harmed by addiction. People realize casino gambling is not economic development."
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RI slot parlor taking a chance with voters
By DAVID KLEPPER
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