Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe waiting for ruling on casino land

Tuesday, February 5, 2013  

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts is still waiting to hear from the Bureau of Indian Affairs on its casino land-into-trust application.

In a December 31, 2012, letter, Assistant Secretary Kevin Washburn said the BIA would determine whether the tribe meets an exception in Section 20 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act by January 31. The tribe hasn't heard back but Chairman Cedric Cromwell remains optimistic.

“The letter we got from the assistant secretary not too long ago is very important. It mapped out timelines. So we look forward to hearing some positive news very soon around our initial reservation exception, which includes Taunton and Mashpee land," Cromwell told The Taunton Daily Gazette.

Generally, IGRA bars gaming on lands acquired after 1988. However, Section 20 provides an exception for newly recognized tribes like the Mashpees.

Washburn promised to make a final decision on the application later this spring.

Get the Story:
Cromwell optimistic Mashpees will receive positive news about initial reservation exception (The Taunton Daily Gazette 2/5)

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