Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe eyes land for gaming

Monday, April 30, 2007  

A backer for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts has purchased 125 acres for a possible casino.

The tribe's developer, Herb Strather, paid $1.7 million for the site in Middleboro. It is one of several locations the tribe is considering for a casino.

Final decisions won't be made until after May 23. That's when the tribe's federal recognition becomes final.

As a newly recognized tribe, the Mashpee would qualify for an exception in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The tribe's land could be used immediately for a Class II casino. Class III gaming requires a compact with the state.

The tribe is still considering other sites for a casino. The land in Middleboro could end up being used for other purposes.

Get the Story:
Tribe buys off-Cape land fit for casino (The Cape Cod TImes 4/28)
Tribe's land bid may lead to casino (The Boston Globe 4/28)
Cape Cod tribe's backers agree to buy land in Middleborough (AP 4/28)
Land deal fuels casino buzz (The Brockton Enterprise 4/28)
$1.75M bet for tribe: Middleboro eyed as casino resort site (The Boston Herald 4/28)
City not giving up on casino despite tribe's deal in Middleboro (AP 4/29)