Massachusetts
tribe can open casino
As
reported by The Patriot Ledger
BOSTON, Mass. - "The Mashpee Wampanoags
had more to celebrate than their official federal recognition
as a tribe, which took effect on Thursday: now the Cape
Cod-based tribe can move ahead with plans to open a casino
as early as 2010.
"The
tribe already holds options on land in Middleboro and
is also considering a site in New Bedford.
"The
tribe can now seek federal approval of a casino offering
the types of gambling that are already allowed in the
state, or state approval for a more lucrative, full-fledged
Foxwoods-style casino.
"The
possibility of the Wampanoags opening a tax-exempt casino
- completely cutting the state out of the action - prompted
Treasurer Timothy Cahill to say last week that the state
should consider joining with the tribe on a destination
casino.
"...But
the tribe needs state approval to upgrade its offerings
to 'Class III' gambling - that is, slot machines, baccarat,
craps, and house-banked table games. That's a far more
attractive option, because slot machines typically account
for 70 percent of a casino's revenues, industry experts
say..."
Pittsburgh casino plan clears
hurdle
As
reported by The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
PITTSBURGH,
Pa. - "Majestic
Star Casino won approval for its development plan Tuesday
after city officials required it to meet conditions designed
to appease the Steelers, Pirates and Carnegie Science
Center.
"Pittsburgh's
City Planning Commission unanimously approved a conceptual
proposal for the North Shore slots parlor, but only after
its members attached 16 conditions concerning traffic
and parking.
"They
asked the city's traffic analyst to consider two proposals
by the science center related to access and pedestrian
crossings.
"...State
gambling regulators awarded a slots license to Majestic
Star in December, but two losing bidders appealed the
decision to the state Supreme Court, which has not yet
ruled. Majestic Star has said it would seek to open the
$450 million casino within 14 months of receiving the
license.
"...Representatives
of the science center, Steelers and Pirates reiterated
their concerns yesterday about potential traffic congestion
from gamblers..."