It looks as if Rhode Island Governor, Donal Carcieri, looks favorably on casinos in his state - so long as it does not involve the Narragansett Indian Tribe.  This was the sentiment of tribe Chief, Sachem Matthew Thomas, who commented the Republican administration in Rhode Island employs a partial treatment to those casino operators who reside out of state.

The inciting event was when Carcieri's administration revealed they are courting the Florida-based owners of Newport Grand Casino to expand their operations.  Essentially, this amounts to redeveloping their slot room as well as their entire infrastructure to include the addition of a resort.  In other words, the governor wants to bring in more revenue, jobs, and taxes to the surrounding economy.  However, the governor is opposed to doing this through the Narragansett Tribe, which seems to contradict the administration's new economic tactic.

Again, Carcieri openly shot down the Narragansett Tribe's proposal to build a casino in West Warwick with the help of Harrah's.  Although he openly gave reasons why he thought the proposal was not approved, in light of the business dealings with Newport Grand Casino, the governor may need to do some more explaining.  Chief Thomas would like this more than anyone else, for he was openly fumed at the announcement of Carcieri's intentions with Newport Grand's owners, who have reported they are already accepting bids from potential investors to see the expansion through.  Current talks would bring in an additional 800 video slots and a ninety room resort hotel valued at $20 Million.