Governor Patrick signs H.4261, “Resolve Relating To The Tribal-State Compact Between The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe And The Commonwealth Of Massachusetts.” (Photo Credit: Eric Haynes / Governor’s Office)

Leaders and members of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts traveled to the State House on Monday to witness a historic event: the signing of a Class III gaming compact.

In just four months, the tribe negotiated a 15-year deal with Gov. Deval Patrick (D) that was later ratified by state lawmakers. The agreement paves the way for the first tribal casino in Massachusetts.

"This is a great day in the history of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, the People of the First Light. We thank the Governor and the Legislature for the seriousness and cooperative spirit with which they approached this historic Compact," Chairman Cedric Cromwell said in a press release.

The compact requires the tribe to share 21.5 percent of gross gaming revenues with the state. The rate appears to be the highest in the nation.

The rate drops to 15 percent if a non-Indian slot machine parlor opens in southeastern Massachusetts. Even that rate appears to be one of the highest in the nation.

The agreement requires the state to support the tribe's land-into-trust application for the casino in Taunton. It also calls on the state to try and resolve the tribe's long-running land claims.

Once the agreement is sent to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the agency has 45 days to review it under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The BIA could approve it, reject it or let it go into effect to the extent its provisions are consistent with IGRA.

Get the Story:
Governor, tribe celebrate casino compact signing (The Cape Cod Times 7/31)
Gov. Patrick signs Taunton casino compact (The Taunton Daily Gazette 7/31)
Middleboro lost and gained when casino deal fizzled (The Brockton Enterprise 7/31)
Patrick, Mashpee tribe defend deal terms (The Boston Globe 7/31)
Patrick signs casino compact with tribe (Turn to 10 7/30)

An Opinion:
Carol Kelley: Case law prevents land in trust for Indian casino (The Patriot Ledger 7/31)

Related Stories:
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe gaming compact set for BIA review (7/30)