The two federally recognized tribes in Massachusetts have stepped up their lobbying expenditures amid efforts to legalize casino gaming in the state.

The Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe spent $75,000 in 2007, according to figures reported yesterday. That's a huge increase over the $5,000 the tribe spent in 2006.

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe spent $135,000 last year, up from $120,000 the year prior, The New Bedford Standard-Times and The Boston Globe said. The figure conflicts with $60,000 in expenditures reported by The Boston Herald.

The Aquinnah plan to compete for one of three commercial casinos being proposed by Gov. Deval Patrick (D). The legislation gives preference to tribal bidders.

The Mashpee are pursing a casino under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The tribe has filed a land-into-trust application for its proposed casino.

Get the Story:
Patrick bonds with labor unions over casino (The New Bedford Standard-Times 1/16)
Casino lobbyists score big, pushing clients' interests (The Boston Globe 1/16)
Gambling interests turn high-rollers on Beacon Hill (The Boston Globe 1/16)