Tribal leaders revealed on Saturday that the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe will commence construction work on its planned $500-million casino in Taunton in the spring of 2016.
The tribe, which is one of two federally recognized tribes in Massachusetts, is to build its venue on industrial land in the eastern part of the city. Apart from a gambling floor, it would also feature two hotels and a number of attractions such as a water park. The Mashpee Wampanoags’ plan has been backed by Malaysian casino resort investor Arkana Ltd., which has long been tied with giant Genting Group.
Under a 2013 compact between Massachusetts and the tribe, the latter is to contribute 17% of its gaming revenue to the state once the gambling venue opens doors. Tribal leaders said that they plan to comply with the terms of the agreement. However, it is still unclear whether the state would take it into consideration.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is currently considering Mass Gaming & Entertainment’s proposal to build a $650-million casino on the Brockton Fairgrounds, the lone bidder for the last casino license the regulator is to grant.
The Friday announcement that the Bureau of Indian Affairs has agreed to take more than 300 acres of land in Mashpee and Taunton into trust, thus securing the tribe with sovereign authority over that land, was received with mixed reactions.
Tribal officials said that it was a “historic moment” and that they would do their best to build a top-class destination resort that would provide both the tribe and the state with a number of benefits.
Opponents of the tribal casino project said that they intend to appeal the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ decision. However, the Mashpee Wampanoag is to go on with its plans, despite the vocal opposition. Tribal officials believe that even if opponents decide to seek a preliminary injunction, they are not likely to achieve any success in this.
Massachusetts Senate President Stanley Rosenberg and former Gov. Deval Patrick are among those who are against the plan for the construction of a tribal casino in the southeastern part of the state. Mr. Rosenberg said in a Friday statement that he hopes the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is well-aware of the fact that the casino market there will be oversaturated if two casinos open doors there.
George Carney, owner of the land where the Brockton resort is to be located, commented that they will still go forward with their plan, despite the potential competition. Mr. Carney is working together with Rush Street Gaming owner Neil Bluhm on the $650-million project. Mr. Bluhm said that they have been aware of the possible construction of a tribal casino since they applied for the Region C casino license. This is why they believe the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ decision would not prevent them from moving forward with their project.
