Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick hasn't decided whether to enter into negotiations for a Class III gaming compact with the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, a spokesperson said.

A letter to Patrick makes the case to start talks as soon as possible. Chairman Shawn Hendricks said state approval could speed up federal review of the tribe's land-into-trust application.

"That application is proceeding on schedule and we are confident of an approval in the first or second quarters of 2009," Hendricks told Patrick. "We believe that this schedule could be expedited with state support."

The tribe is asking for land in two towns to be placed in trust. Local officials are supporting the application but so far Patrick has indicated he won't negotiate until the Bureau of Indian Affairs makes a decision.

There is no requirement in federal law that land be in trust in order to negotiate a compact. But the Bush administration, without tribal consultation, adopted an internal policy that bars approval of compacts that refer to lands that may or may not be in trust.

The administration said the policy is based on the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act though it was written in response to an off-reservation casino proposal in Oregon.

Get the Story:
Tribe looking to speed up casino process (The Cape Cod Time 9/4)
Tribe asks gov for casino talks (The Boston Herald 9/4)