The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe welcomed a bill that would legalize full-scale gaming in Massachusetts.

The bill authorizes the governor to enter into negotiations with "a federally recognized Indian tribe" in the southeastern part of the state. The tribe would get the exclusive right to operate a casino there.

The bill envisions the tribe placing land into trust. However, if that doesn't happen -- or doesn't appear to be happening by August 1, 2012 -- the state can entertain bids for a casino in that region.

“We are very pleased that this bill recognizes the federal rights of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe to operate a destination resort casino in our ancestral homeland of southeastern Massachusetts," Chairman Cedric Cromwell said in an email. "We look forward to the bill’s timely passage and to negotiating a compact with the Governor so we can put people to work as soon as possible.”

The bill only authorizes three casinos with table games and slot machines. So that would mean only one tribe can open a gaming facility.

The Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe is the only other federally recognized tribe in the state.

Get the Story:
Mass. Legislature unveils new casino bill (The Cape Cod Times 8/23)
New House bill calls for three Massachusetts casinos, including one in Western Mass. (The Waterbury Republican 8/23)
Bill calls for 3 casinos, 1 slot parlor (The Boston Herald 8/23)
Mass. lawmakers unveil new gaming bill (AP 8/23)
Casino bill must account for tribes, Patrick aide says (State House News Service 8/23)

Related Stories:
Massachusetts governor supports a Mashpee Wampanoag casino (8/22)
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe keeping an eye on gaming legislation (8/16)