Massachusetts lawmakers to consider casino resort measure

Wednesday, June 23, 2010  

The Massachusetts Senate is set to begin debate on a bill [Summary | Full Text] to authorize three casino resorts.

The bill does not include a tribal preference. It requires a tribal applicant for a casino to submit to all state civil and criminal laws and to waive its rights under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

The bill authorizes the state to enter into a Class III gaming compact with one tribe. The deal must be negotiated within a year and the tribe must share revenues "of equal or greater value" to those shared by non-Indian operators of the casinos.

The Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe want to open casinos at sites in Fall River. Some amendments being proposed would clear the way for the Mashpee casino.

State officials and lawmakers believe the Aquinnah gave up their gaming rights under a land claim settlement, which the the tribe disputes.

Get the Story:
Wampanoag tribes jockey for position (South Coast Today 6/23)
Late filings swell casino bill (The New Bedford Standard-Times 6/23)

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