Massachusetts Governor to Sign Casino Tribal Pact

BOSTON (AP) Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick is set to give final approval to a tribal casino compact with the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe.

Patrick on Monday is set to sign the compact, which promises the state 21.5 percent of gambling revenue if the tribe succeeds in developing a resort casino in Taunton.

The tribe has proposed a $500 million casino on 146 acres of land at the junction of Routes 24 and 140. The complex, to be built in stages over a five-year period, also would include three 300-room hotels, retail shops, meeting space for business events and a family water park.

Under new state law, allowing up to three resort casinos, federally-recognized Indian tribes are given exclusive rights to build a casino in southeastern Massachusetts.