The Bureau of Indian Affairs has rejected the Class III gaming compact submitted by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the state of Massachusetts, saying it did not comply with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
BIA spokesperson Nedra Darling issued the following statement:“We appreciate the cooperative relationship between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe to develop and jointly submit a proposed gaming compact. The gaming compact unfortunately contained a number of provisions that did not comply with the law and could not be approved as proposed. The Assistant Secretary strongly encourages the Commonwealth to negotiate a new gaming compact with the Tribe in good faith and in accordance with IGRA so that the Tribe may proceed with efforts to strengthen its economy. We look forward to working with the Tribe and the State in the future as we seek to ensure the integrity of this important process for tribes across the country.” Nedra Darling