Artist's rendering of proposed First Light Resort and Casino. Image from Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe remained confident of its gaming plan after just one non-Indian developer submitted a bid for a potential commercial casino in southeastern Massachusetts. H.3702, the Massachusetts Expanded Gaming Act, reserved a casino in the southeastern part of the state for "a federally recognized tribe." The Massachusetts Gaming Commission agreed to solicit non-Indian bids due to hurdles facing the Mashpees but Chairman Cedric Cromwell said tribe's plan represents the best option. “This is further confirmation from the gaming industry that the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe is in the strongest position -- with a 'winning hand' -- to develop a destination resort casino in southeastern Massachusetts," Cromwell said yesterday. K.G. Urban Enterprises submitted the sole application for the region. The firm paid a $400,000 non-refundable fee even as it pursues a lawsuit in federal court that challenges the tribal provisions in H.3702. “The market recognizes that we have sovereign rights as a tribe and our project is ahead of any other development in the state. We have a site in Taunton, an overwhelming vote of support from the community, a strong investment team, and we have made significant progress in the permitting process," Cromwell said. "We now have before the legislature a compact agreement that gives the Commonwealth over $2.1 billion, targeting funds for education, economic development, transportation - and directs over $300 million to southeastern Massachusetts.” “With the continued support of the Legislature and the Governor we look forward to breaking ground next year and bringing thousands of jobs to the Commonwealth," Cromwell added. The tribe's Class III gaming compact has yet to be approved by the Legislature. Get the Story:
Only one developer submits Massachusetts casino bid (The Cape Cod Times 10/1)
KG Urban Enterprises puts up $400k application fee, competes against Mashpee Wampanoags for license (State House News Service 10/1)
Uncertainty to stay after SE Mass. casino deadline (AP 9/30) Related Stories:
Non-Indian developer submits bid for Massachusetts casino (9/30)
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