Final vote planned for gaming legislation in Massachusetts

Tuesday, November 15, 2011  

Lawmakers in Massachusetts are giving final approval to H.3702, a bill to legalize full-scale gaming, and it could be sent to Gov. Deval Patrick (D) as early as today.

The bill authorizes three casinos in three regions of the state. Region C -- the southeastern part -- is reserved for "a federally recognized tribe."

The bill gives the state until July 30, 2012, to negotiate a Class III gaming compact. The tribe must have a land agreement in place and must submit to a local referendum before moving forward.

If the tribal deal doesn't work out, Region C can be opened to other bidders. Both the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe are interested in a casino although the bill has been interpreted to limit the state to one compact.

As for the other regions, the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut and Hard Rock International, which is owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, plan to compete for western Massachusetts.

Get the Story:
Massachusetts casino agreement reached: Here's what you need to know (The Boston Business Journal 11/15)
Final vote on Massachusetts casino legislation nears (State House News Service 11/15)
Mohegan Sun exec confident about prospects in Bay State (The New London Day 11/15)
Mohegan Sun holds off on casino study (The New London Day 11/15)