Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe spurs gaming push

Thursday, August 23, 2007  

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe finalized its federal recognition in May and there's been a whirlwind of gaming activity in Massachusetts since then.

The same day the tribe's recognition took effect, the state treasurer said he supported commercial casinos. The mayor of Boston said he is interested in a casino and outside gaming interests started flocking to the state.

But no one know what will happen until Gov. Deval Patrick (D) announces his policy on gaming. An answer is expected after Labor Day.

"The buzz is definitely greater than the last couple of years," an analyst who follows gaming told The Hartford Courant.

The tribe wants to develop a casino on 530 acres in the town of Middleboro. The tribe has started the land-into-trust process, which could take up to two years or more.

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Slots Fever Up North (The Hartford Courant 8/23)
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