Litigation anticipated over tribal casino in Massachusetts

Tuesday, April 17, 2012  

Gaming experts expect litigation over plans for a tribal casino in Massachusetts.

H.3702, the state's gaming law, authorizes three casinos in the state. Region C -- southeastern Massachusetts -- is reserved for "a federally recognized tribe."

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe both want a casino. Litigation could ensue if Gov. Deval Patrick (D) limits Class III gaming compact talks to just one tribe.

Litigation is also possible if the state decides not to deal with either tribe, based on deadlines in H.3702 that are linked to the land-into-trust process. Both tribes face questions under the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Carcieri v. Salazar since they gained federal recognition in recent years.

The decision restricts the land-into-trust process to tribes that were "under federal jurisdiction" as of 1934.

Get the Story:
Quest for area's casino license could turn into legal quagmire (The New Bedford Standard-Times 4/17)
Lakeville seeking members for Casino Advisory Committee (South Coast Today 4/17)

Related Stories:
State tribe challenges Mashpee Wampanoag gaming site (4/16)
Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe eyes existing land for casino (4/13)