Mashpee Wampanoag Ramp Up Casino Plans

BOSTON, Massachusetts -- As reported by the Massachusetts Standard-Times: "Gov. Deval Patrick has pegged 2012 as the opening date for three proposed commercial casinos in Massachusetts, but the
  Mashpee Wampanoag tribe believes it may be able to jump into the game earlier, with its own Indian casino.

"The tribe would have to decide if it wants to bid for a state commercial casino license — and pay full state taxation — or pursue an Indian casino on land in trust.

"The tribe has petitioned to have more than 500 acres in Middleboro placed in federal trust for a casino, a process the tribe says could take as little as 18 months.

"The Patrick administration is urging the tribe to bid for a state license, saying based on its research, it could take the Mashpee Wampanoag five years to get land in trust.

"Scott Ferson, a spokesman for the tribal council, was skeptical that the state's process would be faster than the tribe's own effort. And if the state Legislature legalizes casinos, the tribe would be allowed to offer the same type of full-scale casino under federal Indian gaming law.

"...Shawn Hendricks, the chairman of the tribal council, said this week that the tribe would pursue its plan to get land in trust, but was also willing to consider the governor's proposal..."