Artist's rendering of proposed First Light Resort and Casino. Image from Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is still waiting for action on its Class III gaming compact with the state of Massachusetts. The state House voted overwhelmingly in favor of the agreement earlier this month. But the Senate has yet to schedule a vote and that will delay final review by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. "I've been concerned all along that we not have more than three destination resort facilities and that we also strike a balance as we move toward that with the tribe's sovereign and legal interests," Gov. Deval Patrick (D) told State House News Service. "I think the sooner the Legislature acts on the compact the better because that's a predicate, as you know, for federal action and the compact was renegotiated based on the guidance we got from the feds." H.3702, the Massachusetts Expanded Gaming Act, reserved a casino in the southeastern part of the state for "a federally recognized tribe." The Mashpees are the only tribe pursuing the casino but they have run into delays with the compact and their land-into-trust application. As a result, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission agreed to solicit non-Indian bids for the region. K.G. Urban Enterprises submitted the sole application but the company is still pursuing a lawsuit in federal court against the state. A hearing is scheduled November 21, The Cape Cod Times reported. Get the Story:
Governor concerned by pace of compact approval (The Cape Cod Times 10/22)
State says bid process nullifies casino suit (The Cape Cod Times 10/22) Related Stories:
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe clears first vote for gaming pact (10/10)
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