A state lawmaker is defending tribal provisions in the Massachusetts gaming bill amid local opposition.

H.3702 authorizes three casinos in different regions of the state. Region C is reserved for "a federally recognized tribe."

The city council in New Bedford officially opposes the provisions, saying they will delay Region C's chances for a casino. The bill gives the state until July 31, 2012, to negotiate a compact, which is about the same time that Rep. Robert M. Koczera (D) said it will take for the state to set up a gaming commission to consider the other regions.

"The only time line present in this bill is the one impacting the Wampanoag Tribe," Koczera said in a statement, The New Bedford Standard-Times reported.

Region C is home to the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe. Both tribes are interested in a casino.

The bill requires a compacting tribe to schedule a referendum in the host community by July 31, 2012. The tribe also must have acquired land or have a land agreement in place by that time.

Get the Story:
Koczera denies region at disadvantage in casino bill (The New Bedford Standard-Times 11/1)

Related Stories:
City blasts tribal provisions in Massachusetts gaming bill (10/21)
City wants to discuss gaming with two Wampanoag tribes (10/20)
Mashpee Wampanaog Tribe hails passage of gaming measure (10/14)