Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) continues to make progress on Class III gaming compact with the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, according to a statement.

The two sides face a July 31 deadline to finalize an agreement. "The administration is committed to negotiating an agreement consistent with our priorities of generating new economic development opportunities and improving the quality of life in regions that host resort casinos," the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development said in the statement, The New Bedford Standard-Times reported.

H.3702 authorizes casino-style gaming in the state. Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, that means tribes are able to offer the same types of gaming.

Patrick, however, has only chosen to negotiate with the Mashpees. His administration believes the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe can't engage in gaming due to restrictions in its land claim settlement.

The Aquinnahs have threatened to go to court over the issue.

Get the Story:
Taunton casino could 'create traffic nightmare' for SouthCoast commuters (The New Bedford Standard-Times 6/22)
A vote of trust in Mashpee (The Cape Cod Times 6/22)

Related Stories:
BIA considers Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe casino land-into-trust (6/21