Patrick, Tribe Reach New Agreement For Casino Near Easton

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe has once again taken a step forward in its quest to open a tribal casino 10 miles from Easton's border.

Late Tuesday, the tribe signed a new agreement with Gov. Deval Patrick ensuring it would provide 17 percent of the potential Taunton casino's revenue to the state, according to the Boston Globe.

A compact signed last year that would have sent 21.5 percent of its revenue to the state was rejected by the Bureau of Indian Affairs for its high number.

If this agreement is approved by the Federal Government and built in Taunton, it would be located at the intersection of Routes 24 and 140.

Easton Planning Director Gary Anderson told selectmen last month that should a casino be approved in Taunton, the Shovel Town will likely be named as a "surrounding community," which will allow it to secure funding for impact studies.

Town Officials have previously expressed concerns regarding both a possible Taunton Casino and the possibility of a slot license in Raynham just over Easton's town border.

Anderson said Easton will look to secure "surrounding community" status for a Raynham gaming resort as well.