The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe won't back down from plans to build a casino in southeastern Massachusetts, Chairman Cedric Cromwell said on Monday. The tribe started the land-into-trust process for a casino shortly after gaining federal recognition in May 2007. Although the gaming site has changed three times, a final decision from the Bureau of Indian Affairs is due this spring, a move that is likely to spark litigation. “We have known all along that different groups would sue to try and deprive us of our tribal rights, but it has become clear that our opponents are more concerned with their own self-interest than the good of Southeastern Massachusetts," Cromwell said in a press release. All they are doing is lining the pockets of lawyers instead of working to fill the pockets of the good people of Southeastern Massachusetts who need work.” The tribe also faces competition if the Massachusetts Gaming Commission opens up the southeastern region of the state to non-Indian bidders. But Cromwell noted that a provision in the Class III gaming compact eliminates revenue sharing if that happens. "In this case, our tribe will pay no revenue to the state, and according to the state’s own research, will destroy the economic model on which the state based its Expanded Gaming Law," Cromwell said. "This will cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars.” The commission meets Thursday to consider opening the region to non-Indians. Get the Story:
Cromwell: "Threats" will not deter the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe (Cape Cod Today 4/16)
Mashpee tribe firm over rights to casino in Southeastern Massachusetts (The Taunton Daily Gazette 4/16)
Wampanoag turn up pressure on gambling panel (The Boston Globe 4/16)
Tribe sends warning on opening casino license (AP 4/16)
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