The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe has announced plans to present a phased development strategy for the First Light Resort and Casino in early 2025, marking a significant step forward for the long-delayed project. Located on a 321-acre site near Taunton, Massachusetts, the proposed casino is poised to become the state’s first tribal gaming facility.
“Over the coming months, we are thrilled to announce we will be working with the city to develop our phased plan for the future First Light Resort and Casino,” Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council Chair Brian Weeden said. “We are working toward presenting these plans to the public in early 2025.”
The Tribe acquired the land in 2015 and broke ground on the project the following year. However, construction stalled due to multiple lawsuits, delaying progress for nearly a decade. The last legal hurdle was resolved in February 2023, allowing the Tribe to proceed with its ambitions.
A gaming compact between the Mashpee Wampanoag and Massachusetts, approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs in 2014, remains valid. The compact stipulates a 20-year operational period from the casino’s opening, negating the need for renegotiation despite the delays.
Current efforts focus on clearing the site of blight, including “illegal dumping, loose fence posts, and other issues,” according to Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell. Additionally, a welcome center is under construction as part of non-gaming development.
Still, the Tribe faces significant challenges, including the absence of an operational partner. Genting Americas, initially contracted to develop and manage the casino, exited the project in 2021. Without a replacement, questions linger about whether the Tribe, with an enrollment of fewer than 4,000 members, can independently finance and operate the facility.
Financial commitments to Taunton also pose difficulties. The Tribe agreed to compensate the city for lost property tax revenue but has fallen behind due to delays in the casino’s construction.
Despite these obstacles, Tribal leaders remain optimistic. A potential announcement of a new operational partner in early 2025 could accelerate development. Confidence among leadership is at an all-time high, with fewer barriers remaining for the project.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/01/02/90513-massachusetts-mashpee-wampanoag-tribe-advances-casino-plans-amid-past-delays
