Indian Gaming

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut has secured a site for its proposed commercial casino in Massachusetts.

Fall River Mayor Flanagan, who supports the $750 million casino, said the tribe wants to build on 30 acres in the south end of the city. He announced the land deal on Facebook.

"A casino will be built in Fall River creating thousands of jobs for our residents and generating millions of dollars in revenue for public safety and education," Flanagan said. This is a reality!"

The Pequots are bidding on a commercial facility in the southeastern region of the state. But there's no guarantee that the license will be awarded because H.3702, the Massachusetts Expanded Gaming Act, gives the first shot to "a federally recognized tribe."

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is pursuing the $500 million First Light Resort and Casino in Taunton, about 17 miles from Fall River. The Mashpees still have to clear one more federal hurdle -- the land-into-trust application for the site is pending before the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

A non-Indian company is also competing for the southeastern region. If the Massachusetts Gaming Commission awards the license, the Mashpees won't have to share any revenues with the state due to exclusivity terms in the Class III gaming compact.

The Pequots originally pursued a license in the eastern region but voters rejected the project in a local referendum.

Get the Story:
Flanagan says Foxwoods has secured option for 30 acres in South End of Fall River; source says location is New Harbour Mall (The Fall River Herald News 3/13)
Foxwoods secures option on 30 acres in Fall River (The Boston Globe 3/13)

Related Stories:
Mashantucket Tribe looks for site for commercial casino plan (02/06)