Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) will unveil a bill to legalize three commercial casinos, giving preference to the state's two federally-recognized tribes.

The bill creates an independent panel to issue licenses for the casinos, which would be located in three regions of the state. Applications from the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe will be given a higher weight.

The Mashpees have already started the process to open a casino under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. But one region covers the town where the tribe wants land placed in trust. Another region includes an area where the Aquinnah have expressed an interest in development.

Host communities will be required to approve, by referendum, a casino. The town of Middleboro has already backed the Mashpees but another vote would be needed if the tribe bids for a commercial license.

The bill requires casinos to pay all state and local taxes, including a 27 percent tax on gaming revenues. Casinos opened under IGRA, however, cannot be taxed, although the Mashpees have agreed to share revenues with Middleboro and are open to sharing revenues with the state.

Get the Story:
Patrick's casino bill to favor tribes (The Cape Cod Times 10/11)
State official addresses casino issue at meeting with business leaders (The New Bedford Standard-Times 10/11)
Patrick’s bill would give casino preference to tribe (AP 10/10)