The Massachusetts Senate again failed to vote on a Class III gaming compact for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.

The latest delay wasn't explained but some lawmakers from the southeastern part of the state, where the casino would be located, have objected to the compact. A vote is expected tomorrow -- the state's gaming law requires approval by July 31.

Separately, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs held a hearing on the $500 million project. "The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe has a strong tradition of careful use of natural resources," Chairman Cedric Cromwell said, The Cape Cod Times reported.

Once the compact is approved, it can be sent to the Bureau of Indian Affairs for review. Gov. Deval Patrick (D) has hired Holland & Knight, a law and lobbying firm with tribal gaming clients, to lobby the Obama administration for approval.

The firm, which provided legal services to Patrick during compact negotiations, will also lobby for the tribe's land-into-trust application.

Get the Story:
Taunton gaming compact vote pushed to Thursday (State House News Service 7/25)
Wampanoag tribe deflects casino concerns (The Cape Cod Times 7/25)
MEPA scoping meeting covers trio of Taunton casino concerns (The Taunton Daily Gazette 7/25)
Rep. Frost: Pact with tribe improves odds for slot parlor in Central Mass. (The Worcester Telegram & Gazette 7/25)
Holland & Knight to Lobby for Massachusetts in Support of Indian Casino (The Blog of Legal Times 7/24)
Bridgewater hedging bet on Taunton casino (The Brockton Enterprise 7/24)
Would Taunton casino squash Raynham slots? (The Raynham Call 7/24)

An Opinion:
Allin Frawley: The trouble with the Mashpee Wampanoag land claim (The Fall River Herald News 7/25)

Related Stories:
Vote expected on Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Class III compact (7/24)