MASHPEE – The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is speaking out following the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s decision to reject plans for a Brockton casino.
The move left the tribe’s Taunton project as the sole casino resort planned for Southeastern Massachusetts.
“That Brockton casino would’ve cannibalized the market and effectively destroyed the commercial gaming landscape and we’re excited that the Mass Gaming Commission made a difficult, but wise and just decision,” said Wampanoag Tribe Chairman Cedric Cromwell.
Mass Gaming and Entertainment had planned to build a $677 million resort on the Brockton Fairgrounds.
The tribe had previously said that they will no longer be required to make payments to the state under its gaming compact if the commission approved another casino in Southeastern Massachusetts.
A 2013 revenue-sharing deal obligates the tribe pay 17 percent of its annual gambling profits to the state, but only if no other casino is allowed to operate in the region.
“Southeastern Mass Region C is exclusive to the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Nation First Light Resort Casino,” said Cromwell. “There’s going to be tons of jobs and it’s going to be an engine for economic opportunity.”
The Brockton casino group had said that their proposal would be more successful than the Mashpee tribe’s plan.
By JUSTIN SAUNDERS, CapeCod.com Newscenter
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