Mashpee Wampanoag Get Federal Nod

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe has just learned that they have in fact succeeded in winning federal recognition as a sovereign American Indian Nation. This of course really shakes things up in the Beacon Hill area, as there has been a casino debate going on that will be affected by the ruling.

The tribe has always been very clear about the fact that they want to bring in a casino with slot machines and table games, but they cannot move forward unless Massachusetts legalizes slot machines. But that argument has turned toward the favor of the legalization, and many think that slot machines and gambling will be legalized within the next year or so.

The horse and dog tracks have been pushing for slot machines for a long time, though just last year a bill that would have let them each bring in 2,000 slot machines was voted down in the House. But with the tribe now being recognized as the state’s second federally recognized tribe, the tide is about to turn as the tribe has the right to bring in bingo style slot machines whether or not the state allows them.

However, the state wants Class III slot machines, not Class II, and they want the state to work on a compact with them that would make them along the lines of the Mohegan Sun – where is isn’t just about the slot machines, it becomes a destination. With the tribe getting approval it is only going to increase the pressure on lawmakers to legalize the slot machines, which they cannot do for the tribe without legalizing them for the whole state.

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