Gaming interests oppose tribal provision in Massachusetts bill

Friday, August 26, 2011  

Gaming interests in Massachusetts say the state shouldn't reserve a casino for a federally recognized tribe.

The Plainridge Race Track has hired Joseph S. Larisa Jr., the attorney who was part of Carcieri v. Salazar. The U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision that said recently recognized tribes can't follow the land-into-trust process.

“The notion that the tribe must be included in any Massachusetts gaming bill or it will possess gaming rights under federal law is unfounded,’’ according to Larisa, The Boston Globe reported.

The Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe are both interested in a casino. But neither has received approval for a land-into-trust application since the Supreme Court's decision in February 2009.

Tribes are lobbying Congress to fix the decision. Meanwhile, the Obama administration said it will review each tribe's situation on a case-by-case basis.

Get the Story:
Casino provision for tribe sparks debate (The Boston Globe 8/26)
DeLeo 'fairly confident' gambling bill will be law within two months (State House News Service 8/25)

Related Stories:
Massachusetts gaming bill provides for just one tribal compact (8/25)
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe still looking to find land for a casino (8/24)
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe praises Massachusetts gaming bill (8/23)