Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah Eyes Casino On Martha’s Vineyard

A Martha's Vineyard-based Indian tribe is claiming to have won federal approval to open a gambling facility on the island.

The Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah, a federally-recognized tribe, issued a statement on Tuesday saying it planned to move ahead with plans to convert an unfinished community center on tribal lands into a temporary Class II gambling facility.

Such a facility could offer high stakes electronic bingo or other games, but not casino-style table games.

Aquinnah chairwoman Cheryl Andrews-Maltais cited a letter she said the tribe received last month from Eric Shepard, acting general counsel of the National Indian Gaming Commission.

The tribe has disputed Gov. Deval Patrick's contention that the Aquinnah gave up their rights to tribal gambling as part of a 1983 land settlement.  (Associated Press)