Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) is not ready to negotiate a Class III gaming compact with the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, a spokesperson said.
Patrick supports gaming but wants the tribe to operate one under his proposal to legalize three commercial casinos in the state. Lawmakers, however, rejected legislation to do that. A new study commissioned by Patrick urges the tribe to seek a commercial casino. But it also says the state should negotiate a compact if the plan falls through. The tribe is in the middle of the land-into-trust process. Patrick appears to be waiting for a decision from the Bureau of Indian Affairs before he negotiates a compact. Get the Story: