Indian Gaming

The Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe is facing opposition to its bid to join a gaming lawsuit in Massachusetts.

H.3702 authorized three casinos in the state, including one for "a federally recognized tribe." But the Aquinnah have been cut out of the process and are seeking to join a lawsuit in hopes of resolving the issue.

The town of Aquinnah, however, is opposing the tribe's motion to intervene. The town says the tribe is barred from opening a gaming facility on its reservation due to a land claim settlement and a separate land use agreement.

“The town qualifies for intervention as a matter of right because the Aquinnah tribe’s arguments, if successful, would eviscerate the settlement agreement to which the town is a party and has an obligation to enforce,” the town's lawyer wrote in a motion, The Martha's Vineyard Gazette reported.

A hearing in the lawsuit takes place Monday, the paper said.

Get the Story:
Town of Aquinnah Moves to Intervene in U.S. Court Case Over Casino Development Rights (The Martha's Vineyard Gazette 12/12)

1st Circuit Decision:
KG Urban Enterprises v. Patrick (August 2, 2012)

District Court Decision:
KG Urban Enterprises v. Patrick (February 16, 2012)

Related Stories:
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe calls for dismissal of casino lawsuit (9/24)