Massachusetts Economic Aide Warns Of Tribal Gambling Conflict

Massachusetts does not have any legal casinos operating in the state, but lawmakers are busy working on the details of legislation that would legalize casinos. If the legislation is completed, it is likely that a tribal casino could be the first opened gaming facility in Massachusetts.

Under federal law, Indian tribe's have the right to offer any gambling that is legal in the state where the tribe's have a reservation. In Massachusetts, two tribe's are waiting on federal approval to place land in a trust, which would lead to locations for possible casino resorts.

The latest idea among lawmakers in the state is to legalize three casino licenses. If that bill passes, the state would end up with five casinos, the three licensed, and two tribal casinos. Economic Development Secretary Greg Bialecki wrote a letter to lawmakers warning them of the tribal gaming activity.

"The federally recognized Mashpee Wampanoag tribe in Southeastern Massachusetts will be legally entitled to conduct gaming on their tribal lands upon successful resolution of their land-in-trust application with the Federal government," wrote Bialecki. "We believe it is important that any gaming legislation account for and address this tribal gaming reality."

Governor Patrick has been attempting to bring casino resorts to Massachusetts since he took office. His attempts have been blocked by several factors in recent years, starting with then-House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi convincing lawmakers the resort destinations were a bad idea.

With new House Speaker Robert DeLeo on his side, it appeared as though casinos were going to become a reality immediately, but there have been some setbacks in negotiations. The main sticking point is DeLeo's insistence that state race tracks have the right to operate slots. Patrick has been against the premise, although he has loosened his stance in recent months.

DeLeo and Senate President Therese Murray have vowed that they will re-ignite the gambling expansion issue in the coming months. All of the top lawmakers in the state would like to have the legislation complete by the end of the year, many of which just hoping the issue will not be a recurring one each legislative session.

August 23, 2011
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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