Artist's rendering of proposed First Light Resort and Casino. Image from Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe
A state lawmaker says repeal of H.3702, the Massachusetts Expanded Gaming Act, won't affect plans for a tribal casino. The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is pursuing the $500 million First Light Resort and Casino in the city of Taunton. The Bureau of Indian Affairs has already allowed the tribe's Class III gaming compact to go into effect. "If they were to gain that land into trust before the November elections, you know, under existing statute it would be perfectly legal for them to move forward,” state Sen. Marc Pacheco (D), who represents the city, told WWLP. Repeal the Casino Deal, however, claims the compact includes a provision that negates the deal if Class III games become illegal in the state. Casino-style games were illegal up until H.3702 became law. If the law is repealed, the tribe could still offer Class II games, which have proven lucrative in other states. The Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe is pursuing a Class II facility on its reservation but the plan is being litigated in federal court. Get the Story:
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