Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe lands big partners

Thursday, June 7, 2007  

The newly recognized Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts has landed two of the biggest names in the gaming business.

The tribe's casino effort will be financed by Len Wolman and Sol Kerzner. Through Trading Cove Associates, the two have opened the Mohegan Tribe's casino in Connecticut and casinos throughout the world.

“We'll put together a plan to develop a first-class facility," Wolman told The New London Day.

The tribe envisions a destination resort with a 1,500-room hotel and a 150,000-square-foot gaming center. Other amenities and attractions are being planned.

A site for the casino has not been finalized, though the tribe has optioned land in the town of Middleboro. The effort has led to a recall proposal against local leaders who have supported the proposal.

The tribe wants to manage the facility on its own instead of operating under a management contract. But a shunned tribal member, who has filed a suit in state court to look at the tribe's finances, says outsiders will be in charge.

“The tribe has no money, we are a front for investors," Amelia Bing, who helped the tribe launch its recognition bid, told The Brockton Enterprise.

Get the Story:
Mashpee Wampanoag casino gains new backers (The Cape Cod Times 6/7)
'Shunned' Wampanoag says casino backers using tribe (The Brockton Enterprise 6/7)
Wampanoags join with Mohegan Sun developers (The Boston Globe 6/7)
Ex-Sun financial backers to fund Mass. casino bid (The Norwich Bulletin 6/7)
Wolman Planning 'First-Class' Casino (The New London Day 6/7)
pwday
Twin River owners bankrolling potential Mass. casino (The Providence Journal 6/7)
pwday
Rising discontent fuels a recall drive (The Boston Globe 6/7)
Legal Brief Spurs Controversy (WBUR 6/6)