Wampanoag Casino Compact Gets Approval From Feds

The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe has gotten a green light to pursue a casino in Massachusetts after the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs opted to take no action to block a revised casino compact with the state.

    The bureau had rejected an earlier agreement.

    The new compact, approved by lawmakers and signed by Gov. Deval Patrick, spells out a variety of terms including how much in gambling proceeds Massachusetts would receive should the tribe succeed in its plan to open a resort casino in Taunton.

    The state would get 17 percent of gambling revenues if the casino is the only gambling facility in the southeast region, and 21 percent if it's the only casino in the state.

    The tribe must still clear a potentially greater legal hurdle of securing federal land-in-trust approval.  (Associated Press)