Lawmakers in Massachusetts will finally take up a Class III gaming compact for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. The tribe signed the deal with Gov. Deval Patrick (D) in March. It includes new provisions to address revenue sharing and exclusivity. The first level of exclusivity is statewide. The tribe will share 21 percent of gross gaming revenue as long as no other casino is operating in the state. The rate drops to 17 percent once another casino opens. State law authorizes two other casinos and the licenses are expected to be awarded early next year. The second level of exclusivity is regional. The revenue sharing rate will drop by another 2 percent if a slot machine parlor opens in southeastern Massachusetts. Finally, the compact ends revenue sharing altogether if a non-Indian casino opens in southeastern Massachusetts. That's a plausible scenario, since the Massachusetts Gaming Commission has agreed to accept non-Indian bids for the region. The compact will go for a hearing on May 15, the Associated Press reported. Get the Story:
Hearing set on casino compact with Mashpee tribe (AP 5/9)
Wampanoags get hearing on new compact (State House News Service 5/9)
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