The House approved the amendment last week. It would exempt the tribe and its business partners from a constitutional provision requiring state authorities to operate all lotteries, including casinos. The tribe has long been partnered with Las Vegas-based Harrah's Entertainment.
Several business leaders spoke against the amendment at a hearing preceding the committee's vote.
Dale Venturini, president of the Rhode Island Hospitality and Tourism Association, said before the hearing that her members are firmly against a casino. She called Harrah's the ``king of comps" for its ability to give gamblers free drinks, meals, hotel stays, and other rewards.
She said casinos are adept at mopping up consumers' discretionary income with gambling tables, restaurants, and retail shops, and she doubts few patrons will drive north to try restaurants or entertainment in Providence.
Earlier in the day, other business leaders announced their support for the amendment.
Restaurateur Rick Simone said Rhode Island needs a casino to compete with those in Connecticut.
He said he and other restaurant owners expanded their staffs and created special menus in anticipation of a 2003 Fraternal Order of Police convention in Providence. But when the convention let out, those attending boarded buses to the Connecticut casinos.
``What should have been a huge windfall for Providence and the whole state of Rhode Island turned into a loss," said Simone, who serves as a spokesman for CompeteRI, a coalition representing more than 60 businesses.
