In separate votes Tuesday on Beacon Hill, the House and Senate approved a compromise bill that paves the way for three resort-style casinos and a slot parlor. The Senate still has one more vote to take today, but that is considered a formality. The bill gives the governor eight months to negotiate a compact, payment in lieu of taxes, with a federally recognized tribe. The Mashpee tribe is considered the odds-on favorite because the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) waived federal rights in a 1987 land deal with the state.

What the casino bill does for the Wampanoag:

  • Sets aside $5 million for the governor to negotiate a compact for payment in lieu of taxes with a federally recognized tribe. That compact will require legislative approval.
  • Sets parameters for the governor to negotiate only with a tribe that has entered into an agreement to purchase a parcel of land for a proposed casino and also requires that a vote be scheduled with the host community.
  • Requires a statement of financial investment rights of any individual or entity which has invested in the tribe since 2005.
  • Sets a deadline of July 31, 2012, for the compact negotiations between the governor and tribe. If a deal isn’t struck and the commission determines the tribe won’t have land into trust, the gaming commission can seek bids from other developers on the Southeastern Massachusetts casino.
  • Gives a federally recognized tribe a seat at the table on a 15-member gaming advisory panel that will consider gambling policy and create subcommittees to examine community mitigation, compulsive gambling and impacts on cultural facilities and tourism.

Source: Cape Cod Times, November 16, 2011

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