A federal judge was asked to settle the dispute between the state of Massachusetts and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) on whether the latter could launch a casino on Martha’s Vineyard, an island known to be frequented by wealthy visitors.
The Aquinnah Wampanoags explained that they are a federally recognized tribe with 485 acres of land in the town of Aquinnah, which means that under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, they can operate a gambling venue. It seems that other federal authorities have also supported their claim.
The tribe wants to locate its gambling facility in the building of a tribal community center, which has never been finished. The new casino is to feature electronic betting machines. The Aquinnah Wampanoags want to offer to their customers high-stakes bingo-style games that resemble traditional slot machines games at casinos. The tribal venue, however, would not feature table games, such as roulette, blackjack, or craps.
Back in 2013, the state, along with Aquinnah and a local community association, filed a lawsuit against the tribe. According to Massachusetts, the Aquinnah Wampanoags’ right to establish a gambling facility was forfeited in 1983, when the tribe reached an agreement with the state for the land in Aquinnah, under which it was to be subjected to local and state laws. And those laws seem to prohibit the provision of “bingo and other games of chance” at the settlement land.
The two involved parties stated that they would like for the judge to base the decision on the arguments provided rather than taking the matter to trial. A hearing has been scheduled for August 12 in Boston.
According to Buddy Vanderhoop, member of the Aquinnah Wampanoag tribe, the debate has divided tribal members as well. People who live on the Martha’s Vineyard island objected to the plan for the establishment of the gambling hall. Mainland members of the tribe, however, supported the idea.
Most of the tribe’s 1,200 members live in New Bedford and other Southeastern Massachusetts cities. Mr. Vanderhoop commented that he and the rest of the Aquinnah Wampanoags who live on the island are outnumbered by those who live on the mainland.
Aquinnah Town Selectwoman Julianne Vanderhoop, who is also a tribe member, pointed out that a gambling facility would not be good for that part of the town, as parking, traffic, and a number of other issues would certainly arise.
In 2011, Massachusetts legislators approved the establishment of three fully-fledged casinos and one slot parlor on the territory of the state. Back then, former Gov. Deval Patrick also negotiated a gambling agreement with the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe for a casino in Taunton. However, no such agreement was negotiated with the Aquinnah Wampanoags.
The current Massachusetts Governor – Charlie Baker, and Attorney General Maura Healey have not commented on the matter since they took office in January 2015.
