Artist's rendering of proposed First Light Resort and Casino. Image from Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts is still waiting for an answer on its gaming land-into-trust application. The tribe plans to build the $500 million First Light Resort and Casino on a 151-acre site in the city of Taunton. The land qualifies for an exception in Section 20 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, Assistant Secretary Kevin Washburn said in a letter in February. Washburn, however, has yet to make a decision on the application itself. The uncertainty prompted the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to open the southeastern region of the state to non-Indian developers. Bids are being accepted until September 30. It's likely the BIA will have made a decision on the application by that time. Get the Story:
Mashpee tribe finds federal proposal encouraging (The Taunton Daily Gazette 5/31)
Gaming Commission ready to issue request for casino applications (The Taunton Daily Gazette 5/31)
Gambling commission to accept commercial applications for Southeastern Mass. (The Boston Globe 5/31) Related Stories:
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe welcomes land-into-trust rule (5/30)
Massachusetts Gaming Commission sets schedule for casino (5/30)
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