Massachusetts governor not bothered by rival tribal casino

Thursday, June 10, 2010  

Massachusetts is home to two federally-recognized tribes but Gov. Deval Patrick (D) believes only one of them will get to open a casino, a top aide said.

The Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe are both pursuing casinos. The Mashpee plan is the only viable one, Patrick's economic development aide said.

"I think without getting into all the legal details, it’s been our view, and it’s the view of others as well, that the Mashpee Wampanoags are the one group that have a serious potential ability to establish their tribal gaming rights in Massachusetts," Gregory Bialecki told State House News Service.

Lawmakers are considering a gaming bill that would authorize three casinos in different regions of the state. One would be located in southeast Massachusetts -- where the Aquinnah and Mashpee are based -- so only one tribe would be able to negotiate a compact with the state.

Get the Story:
Tribe says trump card is an Island casino (The Martha's Vineyard Times 6/10)
Administration pans Aquinnah plan (State House News Service 6/9)
Flanagan touts employment, revenue a casino would bring Fall River (GateHouse News Service 6/9)

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