CORRECTION/UPDATE: The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe will have to pay the $400,000 fee, the chairman of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission said.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will start accepting $400,000 non-refundable fees from companies that want to open a casino in the state.

The Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut plans to bid on a casino in western Massachusetts. Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, is also interested in the western part of the state.

A total of three casino licenses will be awarded. The one for southeastern Massachusetts has been reserved for "a federally recognized tribe."

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe will pay the fee too. The commission is giving the tribe enough time to follow the land-into-trust process but can open the region up to bids if the outlook isn't good.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is currently reviewing the tribe's Class III gaming compact.

Get the Story:
Gambling board ready for applicants (The Boston Globe 8/8)
Massachusetts Gaming Commission unveils plan to begin accepting applications from casino companies (MassLive 8/7)
MassLive.com plans live coverage of Massachusetts Gaming Commission forum (MassLive 8/7)
Concerns ebb over tribal-state casino compact (The Cape Cod Times 8/7)

An Opinion:
Elizabeth Malm: Mass. bets big on casino revenue (The Fall River Herald News 8/8)

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