Mashpee Tribe charting new ground on gaming

Wednesday, June 6, 2007  

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe wants to open a casino in Massachusetts but there are still questions on how that will happen.

The tribe wants to negotiate a Class III gaming compact with Gov. Deval Patrick (D), who is currently studying the issue. But there is a dispute whether the governor can act alone or whether the Legislature needs to approve a deal.

The tribe also needs land placed in trust to open any type of gaming establishment. Options for 375 acres in the town of Middleboro expire this coming Monday.

Meanwhile, the tribe has lined up Sol Kerzner and Len Wolman as investors in a potential casino. Kerzner and Wolman helped the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut build the Mohegan Sun Casino, one of the largest in the world.

Get the Story:
Tribe hits big time: Gambling’s stars back Mass. casino bid (The Boston Herald 6/6)
The final say on casino is a matter of debate (The Boston Globe 6/6)
Tribe nears decision on Middleboro land (The Cape Cod Times 6/6)