Developers line up to bid on casino licenses in Massachusetts

Wednesday, December 7, 2011  

At least seven developers are interested in entering the new gaming market in Massachusetts.

H.3702 authorizes three casinos in different regions of the state. Four developers are interested in western Massachusetts and three developers are looking at the Greater Boston-Worcester region.

Western Massachusetts has drawn interest from two tribes. The Mohegan Tribe and the Seminole Tribe, through Hard Rock International, want to build in the region.

Greater Boston-Worcester has attracted big name gaming developers. Caesars Entertainment and Steve Wynn are interested in the region.

The new law reserves a casino in Southeastern Massachusetts, or Region C, for "a federally recognized tribe." The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe has until July 31, 2012, to negotiate a compact and secure a gaming site.

If that doesn't happen, Region C can open up to non-tribal entities.

Get the Story:
Tribe’s headstart tempers casino fever in region (The Boston Globe 12/7)
So far, casino rush leaves area in dust (The New Bedford Standard-Times 12/7)

Related Stories:
Magazine: The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe takes a big gamble (11/22)
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe defends provisions in gaming bill (11/18)
Editorial: Tribal provisions place region at casino disadvantage (11/17)
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe welcomes approval of gaming bill (11/16)
Final vote planned for gaming legislation in Massachusetts (11/15)