The Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts and the Seneca Nation of New York announced on Wednesday a gaming partnership.

The two tribes will bid for one of the three commercial casinos that are the subject of state legislation. "As we stand here, we represent a true American Indian partnership," Aquinnah Chairman Donald Widdiss said at a press conference in Boston with Seneca president Maurice A. John Sr.

Widdiss said the preferred site is western Massachusetts. But the tribes are also considering southeastern Massachusetts, where the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is pursing an Indian casino.

The Aquinnah Wampanoag have sought gaming several times in the past. Those proposals never advanced because state lawmakers refused to legalize casino-style gaming.

Gov. Deval Patrick (D) is hoping that will change with his legislation to authorize three commercial casinos.

Get the Story:
Vineyard tribe rolls casino dice (The Cape Cod Times 10/25)
Tribes to pursue casino license together (The Boston Globe 10/25)
Aquinnah Wampanoags enlisting N.Y. tribe’s help (AP 10/25)
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Senecas partner for Mass. casino venture (Business First of Buffalo 10/24)