The Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts will continue its casino efforts even after losing a second vote on Saturday.

In a non-binding referendum, voters in Lakeville rejected the casino by a 10 to 1 margin. Residents of Freetown rejected the casino in an election earlier in the week.

But Chairwoman Cheryl Andrews-Maltais said the tribe will continue to pursue its rights under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Under the law, tribes can engage in the same type of gaming that is allowed in the state.

"The tribe is prepared to pursue its rights in court, if necessary," Andrews-Maltais told The New Bedford Standard-Times.

Class III gaming is legal in Massachusetts under a new state law. But Gov. Deval Patrick (D) says he won't negotiate a compact with the tribe.

Get the Story:
Lakeville vote is strike two for Wampanoag Tribe casino (The Martha's Vineyard Times 6/4)
Lakeville voters overwhelmingly reject casino (The New Bedford Standard-Times 6/3)
Lakeville says firm ‘no’ to casino proposal; Aquinnah plan to continue fighting for location (The Taunton Daily Gazette 6/3)
Lakeville votes against Aquinnah casino proposal (The Boston Globe 6/3)
Aquinnah casino given fighting chance (The Cape Cod Times 6/2)

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Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe prepares for another casino election (6/1)