A federal judge has rejected requests from two federally recognized tribes in Massachusetts to intervene in a lawsuit brought by a developer that wants to build a commercial casino in New Bedford.

Judge Nathaniel Gorton in Thursday's decision rejected both motions to intervene. Gorton said the state can adequately protect the interests of the Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah, while the Mashpee Wampanoags' interests are protected by the state and federal law. KG Urban Enterprises filed the lawsuit because it objected to a provision of state law that granted tribes exclusivity in southeastern Massachusetts.

State lawyers have filed a motion saying KG Urban's lawsuit is no longer necessary because the region is now open to all developers. A KG spokesman says the company was pleased with the decision.

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