Officials in Massachusetts plan to give the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe plenty of time to complete the land-into-trust process but the Class III gaming compact anticipates that might not happen any time soon.

The tribe agreed to share 21.5 percent of gross gaming revenues for the exclusive right to operate a casino in the southeastern part of the state. But the rate drops to 15 percent if a commercial casino opens up first in the region, The New Bedford Standard-Times reports.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is processing the tribe's land-into-trust application but it could take years before a decision is made. Litigation could delay a casino even longer.

Get the Story:
With finish line in sight, casino express sidetracked to await signals from D.C. (The New Bedford Standard-Times 7/22)
PARTY LINES: Casino compact gets through House, delayed in Senate (The Taunton Daily Gazette 7/22)
Rep. Frost Sees Opportunity For Central Mass. To Host Gaming Facility (The Auburn Daily Voice 7/22)

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Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Class III compact vote put on hold (7/20)