The Mashpee Wampanoag
Tribe of Massachusetts is still waiting for an answer on its gaming land-into-trust application.
The tribe plans to build the $500 million First Light Resort and Casino on a 151-acre site in the city of Taunton.
The land qualifies for an exception in Section 20 of the Indian
Gaming Regulatory Act, Assistant Secretary Kevin Washburn
said in a letter in February.
Washburn, however, has yet to make a decision on the application itself.
The uncertainty prompted the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to open the southeastern region of the state to non-Indian developers.
Bids are being accepted until September 30. It's likely the BIA will have made a decision on the application by that time.
Get the Story:
Mashpee tribe finds federal proposal encouraging
(The Taunton Daily Gazette 5/31)
Gaming Commission ready to issue request for casino applications
(The Taunton Daily Gazette 5/31)
Gambling commission to accept commercial applications for Southeastern Mass.
(The Boston Globe 5/31)
Related Stories:
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe welcomes land-into-trust
rule (5/30)
Massachusetts Gaming Commission sets
schedule for casino (5/30)