Massachusetts governor waits on compact talks

Monday, August 11, 2008  

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) is not ready to negotiate a Class III gaming compact with the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, a spokesperson said.

Patrick supports gaming but wants the tribe to operate one under his proposal to legalize three commercial casinos in the state. Lawmakers, however, rejected legislation to do that.

A new study commissioned by Patrick urges the tribe to seek a commercial casino. But it also says the state should negotiate a compact if the plan falls through.

The tribe is in the middle of the land-into-trust process. Patrick appears to be waiting for a decision from the Bureau of Indian Affairs before he negotiates a compact.

Get the Story:
Deval Patrick not eager to talk to the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe (The Boston Herald 8/11)
Study sees $ in gambling, hits adding slots at tracks (The Boston Herald 8/11)
No big surprises in casino report (The Cape Cod Times 8/11)

An Opinion:
Editorial: Hedging bets on casinos (The Worcester Telegram 8/11)