Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe prefers Indian casino

Thursday, October 18, 2007

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts is moving forward with its plans for a casino despite a call from Gov. Deval Patrick (D) to pursue a commercial casino.

The tribe wants to open a casino in the town of Middleboro. A land-into-trust application was filed in August.

But Patrick says the tribe should pursue one of three commercial casinos that he is proposing to legalize. Preference is being given to tribal applicants.

If the tribe goes the state route, however, it would have to pay all state and local taxes. That wouldn't be the case for an Indian gaming casino.

The land-into-trust process could take years to complete but tribal leaders are optimistic a decision could be made within 18 months.

Get the Story:
Questions loom over casino plan (The Boston Globe 10/18)
Casino task force voices frustration with state, Middleboro (The New Bedford Standard-Times 10/18)
Blog: Press 2 for Deval-speak (Cape Cod Today 10/17)