Indian Gaming

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission vowed to speed up its decision making process as tribes make their case for a casino in the Bay State.

The commission agreed to issue licenses for the western and eastern regions of the state in February and March of 2013. And the license for the sole slot machine facility will be issued by September or October of this year.

"Everybody wants us to move faster," Stephen Crosby, the chairman of the commission, told The Springfield Republican. "We want to move faster. We want the money to start rolling."

The Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut and Hard Rock International, which is owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, are bidding on the western Massachusetts license. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut is competing for the eastern region.

Under state law, the southeastern region is set aside for "a federally recognized tribe." The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe hopes to land the casino.

Get the Story:
Massachusetts Gaming Commission pledges to award 2 casino licenses early next year (The Springfield Republican 2/15)
Mass. Gaming Commission seeks 'outside the box' ideas (The Taunton Daily Gazette 2/15)

Related Stories:
Mashantucket Tribe enters race for a Massachussetts casino (2/11)