Efforts to legalize casino-style gaming appear to be gaining steam in Massachusetts, home to two federally recognized tribes.

The state operates and lottery and allows some forms of racing. But lawmakers have resisted Class III gaming despite the presence of two major tribal casinos in nearby Connecticut.

The situation is changing, as top state leaders say they are open to gaming. “Certainly, Indian gaming can be better controlled and worked out with the commonwealth,” Senate President Therese Murray (D) told The Boston Herald.

The Aquinnah Wampanog Tribe and the newly recognized Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe hope to open casinos. They are looking for land and are talking with Gov. Deval Patrick (D) about compacts and other issues.

Get the Story:
Senate prez a fan of casinos: Murray cites state’s revenue problems (The Boston Herald 4/3)
Suffolk will push to create resort-like ‘racino’ setting (The Boston Herald 4/3)
Local reps set to pitch slots to Patrick (The Sun Chronicle 4/3)