Gov. grants right to build casino

WWLP TV

Updated: Jul 30, 2012 8:07 PM

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) — Massachusetts has granted the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe exclusive rights to build a casino in southeastern Massachusetts.

Members of the Wampanoag cheered as Governor Deval Patrick signed the tribal gaming deal into law. Under the agreement, the tribe will be granted a casino license in Taunton if they can secure land in trust from the federal government. When 22 News asked the governor how long that would take, he said "just as soon as we can."

“And we're also mindful of how much work remains and we intend to do that as your partner, respecting your interests and your rights and working very hard to represent all of the people of the Commonwealth and of the region,” Governor Patrick said.

In exchange for the state's assistance with securing land-in-trust from the federal government, the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe will give 21.5 percent of their gaming revenue to the Commonwealth.

If the Massachusetts Gaming Commission decides to issue a commercial license in the southeast region, the tribe can still build a casino there with federal approval, and under this deal, must give 15 percent of their gaming revenue to the state.

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