Voters in Taunton, Massachusetts, overwhelmingly endorsed a casino for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.

Results of an election Saturday showed 7,693 in favor of the casino and 4,571 against it. It was the first referendum in which a host community supported gaming in the state.

"We thank the people of the great city of Taunton for their support. We are overwhelmed by this resounding victory in Taunton, especially in comparison to the recent rejection of gaming in Foxboro and other neighboring communities," Chairman Cedric Cromwell said in a statement. "But let’s be clear, this is not just a victory for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, this is a victory for the future of this city, for every person looking for a good job, and for the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts."

Cromwell said the next step in the process will be finalizing a Class III gaming compact. An agreement is expected before July 31.

"First thing Monday morning, we’ll be back at it, working to finalize a compact with Governor Patrick so we can create thousands of jobs and millions in revenue as soon as possible," Cromwell said.

The tribe also needs approval of its land-into-trust application. The Bureau of Indian Affairs has started the review process.

Get the Story:
City backs Mashpee Wampanoag casino (The Cape Cod Times 6/10)
Taunton voters strongly approve casino proposal (The Taunton Daily Gazette 6/10)
Tribal casino wins at polls in Taunton (AP 6/10)
Voters give boost to Taunton casino plan (The Boston Globe 6/11)
Taunton Residents See Hope For Jobs In Casino Proposal (WBUR 6/11)

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Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe faces referendum on gaming plan (6/8)