"In the relay race to build Las Vegas-style casinos in the Bay State, the Mashpee Wampanoag have been jumping all the hurdles like Olympic gold medalist Edwin Moses.

A pact with a host community? Taunton. Check.

A referendum vote supporting a casino? Check.

A gaming compact with the state? Check.

But, the biggest hurdle is the final one — getting the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs to approve Mashpee's land-into-trust application, without which they wouldn't be able to exercise their rights under the Indian Gaming Act of 1988."

Get the Story:
Sean Gonsalves: Laying down the smart bet (The Cape Cod Times 7/19)

Another Opinion:
Editorial: Flaws in casino law show in deal with Mashpee tribe (The Boston Globe 7/19)

Related Stories:
Final votes awaited on Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe casino deal (7/18