Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) is opposing the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe's proposed casino despite pursuing commercial gaming in the state.

In a letter to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Patrick's office said the tribe's land-into-trust application for the casino raises “significant jurisdictional concerns.” The letter also questions the tribe's deal with the backers of the casino, suggesting the tribe won't gain any benefits.

The tribe won federal recognition last May. As such, the Mashpees qualify for an exception in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

The BIA takes into account state and local views. But unlike applications for off-reservation casinos, the tribe doesn't have to obtain the state's approval.

Patrick wants to legalize up to three commercial casinos. He says tribes will be given preference but they will have to pay all state taxes and submit to state jurisdiction.

Get the Story:
State fights tribe's casino plans (The Cape Cod Times 2/7)
Patrick ups the ante (The Boston Herald 2/7)
Governor opposes casino land request (The Boston Globe 2/7)
Patrick raises ante by fighting tribe's casino (The Brockton Enterprise 2/7)
Patrick opposes casino (The Raynham Call 2/7)
Gov. pans tribe casino (AP 2/7)
Wampanoag will try to ratify land deal with town (The Cape Cod Times 2/7)