The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe plans to include gaming machines in their new welcome center project in Taunton, Massachusetts. The facility will feature 10 gaming positions as a preview of their planned First Light Resort & Casino.

As a federally recognized tribe since 2007, the Mashpee Wampanoag can operate Class I and II gaming on their sovereign territory under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). Class II gaming includes bingo and electronic bingo-based machines played for money.

The welcome center development comes after years of legal battles over the tribe's 321 acres of land in Taunton. In February 2023, a federal judge in Boston confirmed the land's sovereign status, ending years of back-and-forth decisions by the Bureau of Indian Affairs across different administrations.

The tribe's previous partnership with Malaysia-based Genting Group for a $1 billion casino resort ended when the company withdrew due to ongoing legal challenges. Currently, the tribe owes the city $2.35 million in back taxes that ceased being paid after Genting's departure.

The welcome center will showcase tribal history and preview plans for the First Light project. The tribe is currently cleaning up the site and will present detailed plans to the Taunton City Council in early 2024.

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