Aquinnah Tribe To Appeal Ruling Denying Gambling Hall

AQUINNAH – The Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe has given the go-ahead to appeal a federal judge’s ruling barring them from converting their unfinished community center into a gambling hall.

Judge F. Dennis Saylor ruled earlier this month in favor of the town of Aquinnah and the state, saying a land deal the state and town struck with the tribe in the 1980s requires their compliance with Massachusetts gambling regulations.

Judge Saylor said the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act does not supersede the land deal, as the tribe had argued.

The tribal council approved the move to appeal last week, although lawyers for the tribe may ask the judge to reconsider before an appeal, according to the Vineyard Gazette.

Should the tribe appeal, it would be heard by the U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals.