Governor Patrick May Take Up Casino Talks With Indian Tribe

Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts is passionate about casino gambling. He believes it would be a great benefit to the state to bring in casinos and their revenue.

Current legislators in the state do not agree with Patrick. His proposal was voted down earlier this year by these legislators. Now, Patrick appears ready to move forward with expanding casino gambling without those legislators.

The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe has sent a formal letter request to open talks between themselves and Governor Patrick. They are hoping they can negotiate a compact to avoid having to continue their casino pursuit federally.

The tribe is bidding to build a $1 billion gaming resort in Middleboro. They are seeking federal approval to put land in Middleboro into trust in order to build the casino.

Even should the tribe win that battle, they would still have to negotiate with the Governor. They intend to bring full Vegas style gambling to the state, and that is something that needs the permission of the governor.

If Governor Patrick should pursue the compact, he likely will find opposition in the legislature. In a recent similar situation in Florida, Governor Charlie Crist negotiated a compact with the Seminole Indians, only to have a judge rule that he went beyond his authority to do so.

September 4, 2008
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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