The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe criticized a University of Massachusetts study that called for the relinquishment of its Indian gaming rights.

The tribe wants to build a casino in the town of Middleboro. The tribe is seeking to have up to 500 acres placed in trust, a process that could take more than a year.

But Clyde Barrow of the UMass-Dartmouth Center for Policy Analysis said the tribe shouldn't wait. His report advocated the tribe give up its rights under federal law and open a commercial casino under state law instead [Report | Press Release].

The Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe said it would be willing to open a commercial casino. The tribe has said it doesn't want to develop its reservation on Martha's Vineyard, where state laws apply.

Get the Story:
Mass. tribe stands firm on casino land (GateHouse News Service 8/7)
Mass. Tribes Differ Over Swapping Gaming Rights For Casinos (The New London Day 8/7)
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Casino expert favors New Bedford (The Cape Cod Times 8/7)
State should allow three commercial casinos, UMass Dartmouth study says (The New Bedford Standard-Times 8/7)