The Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe is closely watching legislation in the Massachusetts Legislature that could legalize slot machines at four race tracks in the state.

The Senate approved the bill last fall and the House is expected to act soon. That has the tribe ready to assert its right to open a casino, chairman Donald Widdiss said.

In other states, legalization of slot machines has led to Class III gaming for tribes. But some claim they will be able to block the tribe from opening a casino.

Gov. Mitt Romney (R) said he will veto the legislation, citing the possibility of a tribal casino. But he previously proposed allowing slot machines and also claimed he could block the tribe from engaging in Class III gaming.

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Tribe readies casino push (The New Bedford Standard-Times 2/27)