Study looks into impacts of Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe's casino

Thursday, May 31, 2012  

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe paid for a study into the impacts of its proposed casino in Taunton, Massachusetts.

The tribe plans to build a $500 million casino on a 145-acre site. The study estimates the facility will be valued at $594 million and would generate as much as $16.4 million in property taxes annually, while the hotels and restaurants would generate $1.1 million.

But since the land will be in trust, the tribe has agreed to share 2.05 percent of net slot machine revenues. The city will receive a minimum of $8 million a year but payments could rise to $10 million if the casino does well.

Additionally, the tribe has agreed to pay $4.9 million a year for police, fire and other municipal services. The tribe also will pay $33 million up front for infrastructure projects.

The agreement will be discussed at a city council meeting tonight. Residents of Taunton will go to the polls on June 9 to say whether they want to host the casino.

Get the Story:
Study outlines casino benefits, drawbacks (The Cape Cod Times 5/31)

City to take up Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe gaming agreement (5/30)