Casino Panels Weighs Opening SE Mass. License

The state's gaming commission could soon make a major decision affecting the future of casino gambling in southeastern Massachusetts.

    At issue is whether to allow commercial developers to pursue the sole casino license allowed in the region under the state's 2011 gambling law. The law reserved the license for a federally recognized Indian tribe, but also gave the commission authority to open up the bidding to others if prospects for a tribal casino appeared unlikely.

    The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe says it's on course to open a resort casino in Taunton, but still faces various regulatory and legal obstacles.

    After delaying a vote for two weeks to gather more public comment, the five-member commission could make a decision whether to open southeastern Massachusetts at its next regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday. (Associated Press)