The Naragansett Tribe is one of the latest North American Indian tribes to seek out legislative amendments that are otherwise preventing them from building a legalized casino on reservation lands. The Naragansett's - who reside within the state boundaries of Rhode Island - are being led by Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas in their pursuit to meet with state legislators.

Chief Thomas is not unfamiliar with casino gaming litigation in Rhode Island. As far back as 1996, the Naragansett Tribe was seeking to build a slots casino.  Having previously developed land in Charlestown over ten years ago that would be used to build a casino, the tribe is now trying to overturn previous efforts to successfully obstruct them from being granted a gambling permit and beginning construction.

A casino in West Warwick recently had a chance of becoming a reality, when a proposal to build a $50 to $100 million casino owned by Harrah's Entertainment went up for a vote by Rhode Island residents. The proposal, however, was swiftly defeated by a community who appear to be dead set against a casino of any sort. As such, things still do not look any more promising for the Naragansett Tribe than they did over ten years ago.

Since the passing of a legislative amendment by late Senator, John Chafee, the Naragansett Tribe has been legally blocked from building a casino gaming facility on settlement lands. Chief Thomas says this is an abuse against the rights of Native Americans, and says he will do everything within reasonable and legal means to get the ruling overturned without having to go through the court system. Current Rhode Island Senator, Jack Reed (who has openly expressed his opposition to casino gambling in Rhode Island) did say he looks forward to meeting with Chief Thomas in order to come to an amicable solution and ensure that national funding programs for Native Americans continue to meet the needs of the Naragansett Tribe.