Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe still waiting on casino land decision



The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts could be waiting until early 2014 for a decision on its casino land-into-trust application.

The tribe was hopeful for a decision this spring. But that deadline has passed without word from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

“I know it’s on the top of a very tall list that needs to be done by the department,” attorney Arlinda Locklear told The Taunton Daily Gazette.

The tribe submitted its application in August 2007. But the tribe has changed sites twice, with a location in Taunton set for a $500 million casino.

The delays in the process led the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to open up southeastern Massachusetts to non-Indian developers. K.G. Urban Enterprises still plans to bid on a facility in the region.

Get the Story:
Clock ticking on Mashpees' land-in-trust bid (The Taunton Daily Gazette 7/14)
Commercial casino developers keep cards on the table (The Fall River Herald News 7/14)
Rolling snake eyes (The Attleboro Sun Chronicle 7/14)
Twin River Casino adds table games, getting the jump on Mass. (The Taunton Daily Gazette 7/14)

Some Opinions:
Clyde Barrow: Gambling arms race is really just beginning (The Taunton Daily Gazette 7/14)
OUR VIEW: Time for southeastern Mass. to reshuffle the deck (The Fall River Herald News 7/14)

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Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe prepares for longer wait on casino (7/9)

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