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Massachusetts tribal casino plans unchanged

MASSACHUSETTS -- As reported by the Vineyard Gazette: "The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) remains interested in developing an off-Island casino, tribal council chairman Donald Widdiss said this week.

"But before they identify or actively pursue a specific site, tribal members are waiting to see whether the Massachusetts legislature will vote to allow expanded gaming - a step it has consistently rejected in the past.

"...Seeing gaming as an economic development opportunity that could benefit tribal members, the federally recognized Aquinnah tribe for years has maintained an active gaming corporation and retained attorneys and lobbyists, Mr. Widdiss said. But the topic has attracted new attention in recent weeks following federal recognition for the Mashpee Wampanoags, who are now aggressively pursuing a casino near Cape Cod.

"Shortly after receiving federal recognition this spring, the Mashpee tribe joined with developers of the Mohegan Sun resort and casino in Connecticut to secure the rights to roughly 325 acres of land in Middleboro.

"...Meanwhile, legislators, tribal members, developers and casino opponents all await a study committee report set for release later this summer that was commissioned by Gov. Deval Patrick, who has yet to take a position on the issue. Though expanded gaming would likely still require approval from the house of representatives, casino supporters see Governor Patrick's study as a welcome change from former Gov. Mitt Romney, who was an avid opponent..."

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