Massachusetts governor ready to negotiate compact

Tuesday, June 10, 2008  

Compact negotiations between the state of Massachusetts and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe are expected to begin this month, WBZ reports.

"We are prepared to negotiate within the parameters we have under existing law," said Gov Deval Patrick (D) said on Monday.

The tribe won federal recognition in May 2007 and wants to have land placed in trust for a casino. Patrick said the tribe has a right to engage in some forms of gaming in the state.

Patrick previously touted legislation to legalize up to three commercial casinos but lawmakers killed the bill.

Get the Story:
Negotiations Could Clear Way For Mashpee Casino (WBZ 6/9)
Indian Gaming decision aids tribe (The Cape Cod Times 6/10)