Massachusetts Casino Plans of Mashpee Wampanoag Suffers Fatal Setback
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In the heart of Taunton, Massachusetts, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe has made significant progress on their casino project, known as the First Light Casino. After a long-awaited opening in January 2025, the temporary gaming venue has been gradually expanding its offerings and operations.
The casino, initially described as a "Welcome Center," now operates on a 321-acre site purchased in 2015. Originally planned as a $1 billion resort and casino, the project faced years of legal challenges. However, the tribe has persevered, turning the temporary setup into a full-fledged casino.
The number of electronic gaming machines has increased from 10 to 50, with a pending request to raise this number to 250 slot-like machines. The tribe has also obtained a liquor license and is seeking permission to serve alcohol onsite. Hours of operation have been extended to daily from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., and the Tribal Gaming Authority is engaged with the Taunton City Council for discussions on a new phased construction plan.
In 2015, the Department of the Interior (DOI) declared 151 acres of land in Taunton sovereign land, clearing a key legal hurdle for casino development. Despite earlier legal controversies around the land and tribal leadership, federal courts validated the land transfer to tribal trust. The tribe is currently awaiting a state legislative committee hearing to potentially resolve remaining regulatory issues.
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, who were granted federal status in 2007, aim to bring thousands of jobs to Southeastern Massachusetts and secure a prosperous future for the tribe and the region. The casino has financial backing from Malaysian casino giant Genting.
The local mayor and Massachusetts Senator John Kerry continue to support the casino, as do many Taunton residents. However, a group of homeowners who brought the initial legal challenge are optimistic about the outcome. The DOI initially abandoned its request for review, citing consultation with the department as the reason.
Attorney Adam Bond, who represented the homeowners, perceives the DOI review abandonment as a significant blow to the tribe's legal position. The land in both Mashpee and Taunton remains in trust pending an appeal of the decision.
The First Light Resort & Casino, located 35 miles away from the base of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe in Mashpee, is poised to become a significant economic driver in the region. The tribe, led by Chairman Cromwell of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council, will continue their existing appeal and work closely with the DOI to explore more options.
- The casino culture in Taunton is evolving as the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe plans to expand the offerings at the First Light Casino, focusing on implementing more casino games and potentially increasing the number of gambling machines.
- In the realm of gambling trends, the First Light Casino is making moves towards serving alcohol onsite, further diversifying its offerings and aligning with the typical amenities found in established casinos.
- As the casino-culture landscape expands, it is crucial to promote responsible gambling. Given the growth and importance of the First Light Casino as an economic driver in the region, it is essential that the tribal leadership and casino personnel prioritize the well-being of those participating in casino-and-gambling activities.
