Two tribes set for crucial votes on Massachusetts casino bids

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Artist's rendering of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino New England in western Massachusetts. Image from Hard Rock

Two tribes are facing crucial votes today in their plans for gaming in Massachusetts.

Hard Rock International, which is owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, is bidding on a casino in the western part of the state. As part of the process, voters in West Springfield are going to the polls today to accept or reject a host agreement for the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino New England.

If the agreement is rejected, Hard Rock will have to drop out of the running. The license for the western Massachusetts casino is expected to be awarded in early 2014.

In a second vote, the Legislature's Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies will vote taking up a long-delayed Class III gaming compact for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. The deal includes revenue sharing and exclusivity provisions.

H.3702, the Massachusetts Expanded Gaming Act, legalized casino-style gaming in the state.

Get the Story:
Massachusetts panel to vote on tribal casino compact between Gov. Patrick, Mashpee Wampanoag tribe (AP 9/10)
In The Cards: Hard Rock facing hard vote on Tuesday (The Boston Globe 9/9) Related Stories:
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe seeing movement on casino pact (9/9)
Hard Rock faces vote on commercial casino in Massachusetts (08/19)