Former Gov. Lincoln C. Almond, chairman of Save Our State, said in a statement: "Harrah’s is preying on our young adults, most of whom are experiencing economic and social freedom for the first time. Parents should be able to send their children off to school with the knowledge they will be safe from predators.”

“A quality education should include a diverse course load, and Casino 101 is not one of them,” he continued. “It’s unconscionable that Harrah’s would choose to target college students who should be studying and not focusing on the roll of the dice or the craps table.’’

This is not the first time Harrah’s has sought college students. In May 2005, the company was recruiting on college campuses, seeking "organizers and persuasion operatives’’ in anticipation of its campaign.

Narragansett Indian Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas responded in a statement this afternoon to the criticism:

"If Mr. Almond believes what he says, then he should have championed closing Newport Grand and Lincoln Park, not taking their money and trying to stop a $1 billion economic development project – one of the largest economic development projects in Rhode Island history," Thomas said.

Newport Grand and Lincoln Park are the two existing gambling facilities in Rhode Island. The state receives some of their revenues.

This is not the first time Harrah’s has sought college students. In May 2005, the company was recruiting on college campuses, seeking "organizers and persuasion operatives’’ in anticipation of its campaign.

-- Journal staff writer Scott Mayerowitz