Tribe gets reservation to build a casino in Massachusetts
The Mashpee Wampanoag got the official approval to build a a venue within the states borders.
US.- The Bureau of Indian Affairs officially designated Mashpee Wampanoag lands as a reservation on Friday, according to official reports. The U.S. Department of Interior had agreed last September, to take 321 acres of tribe-owned land into trust on its behalf.
The Mashpee Wampanoag, which was officially recognized in 2007, informed they are planning a US$500 million casino in the city of Taunton. The venue could be the third in the Bay State area, where other projects are being developed, such as the ones from Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts International. In addition, Massachusetts could receive 17 percent of gaming win, if the Tribe’s casino is developed and remains the only one of its kind in region.
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council Chairman Cedric expressed in a statement: “This cements our right to self-determination now and for future generations. After decades of painstaking work, we are overjoyed the government of the United States has officially issued this reservation proclamation, as we are witnessing the rebirth of our nation.”
It was informed that the state of Massachusetts could still give another casino license to yet another developer, on this case it could be located near the Mashpee Wampanoag’s proposed casino.