Gov. Deval Patrick (D) is trying to convince the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe to apply for a commercial casino.
Patrick has filed legislation to authorize three casinos in the state. He says tribal applicants will be given preference. The tribe has already started the process to open its own casino. The process could take as little as 18 months, but possibly longer. Patrick says his route will get the tribe quicker to the table but the tribe would have to pay all state and local taxes and follow state laws if it operates a commercial casino. There is also no guarantee the legislation will become law. Get the Story: