Massachusetts gamblers might quickly be getting a brand new on line casino.
In late March, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe reached a new revenue-sharing agreement with town of Taunton. The settlement provided plans for an excellent larger property than the group’s present “welcome center” mini-casino.
The welcome middle venue opened initially of the 12 months and is residence to 50 slot machines, however as a part of the settlement with town, the Mashpee Wampanoag can construct a bigger on line casino.
“Over the coming months, we are thrilled to announce we will be working with the city to develop our phased plan for the future First Light Resort and Casino,” tribal council chair Brian Weeden informed the Taunton Daily Gazette final December. “We are working towards presenting these plans to the public in early 2025.”
Tax Deals Reached
The new settlement permits Taunton, about 40 miles south of Boston, to gather $8 million yearly in tax income on the present property. However, these funds will likely be delayed whereas the tribe seeks financing for the bigger on line casino.
The metropolis will nonetheless acquire 2.05% of the non permanent on line casino’s internet slot income. Halfway by means of the 12 months, town and tribe will evaluation the memorandum of settlement to see the place the tribe is headed in securing the on line casino’s financing.
“Prior to June 30, 2025, the parties will jointly review the status of this MOA, the temporary facility, and any further interim agreements or circumstances concerning the gaming-related facilities at the site,” the settlement notes.
The tribe acquired 321 acres of land from the US Department of the Interior in 2015. Taunton accredited the Mashpee Wampanoag eradicating vacant buildings on the land for a possible on line casino in alternate for property tax funds.
Those weren’t made, and the tribe now owes town $2.4 million. That cost is included in any financing for the brand new venture and will likely be paid to town by the tip of June.
In 2022, the previous Chairman of the tribe was convicted on two counts of accepting bribes as an agent of an Indian tribal authorities, three counts of extortion below colour of official proper, and one rely of conspiring to commit extortion. These expenses have been in reference to the event of First Light Casino.
Former Chairman Cedric Cromwell accepted three bribes from the proprietor of a Rhode Island structure agency that wished to have rights on the development of the property.
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