The Massachusetts Legislature is holding a hearing on December 18 to discuss Gov. Deval Patrick's proposal to legalize commercial gaming.

Patrick wants three casinos across the state. Tribal bidders get preference though some big gaming heavyweights -- including Donald Trump and Harrah's Entertainment -- are trying to get into the game.

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe doesn't plan on testifying and isn't planning on bidding either. The tribe is going through the land-into-trust process to open a casino in the town of Middleboro, though some local official don't seem sure that the project is still moving forward.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is processing the tribe's application. A spokesperson said public hearings might be held in January or February.

Get the Story:
Statehouse casino hearing may bring out heavyweights (The New Bedford Standard-Times 12/7)
Feds ask for assessment info from Mashpee Wampanoag (The Brockton Enterprise 12/6)
Middleboro officials want meeting with Mashpee Wampanoag tribe (The Brockton Enterprise 12/6)