The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe said it will continue to pursue a casino under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

The tribe submitted a land-into-trust application for 500 acres. Some of the land will be used for a casino resort in the town of Middleboro.

Gov. Deval Patrick (D) wants the tribe to pursue one of three proposed commercial casinos. But a spokesperson said the tribe won't wait for the state's plan to become legal.

“The advantage the governor was offering was speed to market,” the spokesperson told The New Bedford Standard-Times. “He can’t offer that right now. Everyone has to wait for the Legislature to act.”

The tribe's application could take at least 18 months, and possibly more, to be finalized. The tribe still believes it can get up and running before the state.

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Mashpee Wampanoag favor federal casino route (The New Bedford Standard-Times 11/1)