The state of Massachusetts is waiting for Gov. Deval Patrick (D) to state his views on legalized gaming.
Patrick has received a report on the pros and cons of gaming. He says he will announce a decision by Labor Day. If he backs Class III gaming, state lawmakers would still have to legalize games like slot machines. Then the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe could negotiate a Class III compact. The tribe could open a Class II facility without state approval. But the tribe is barely starting the land-into-trust process, which could take up to two years, or more, to complete. A spokesperson says the tribe won't start work on any facility until its land is held in trust. Get the Story: