The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe plans to announce major updates for its long-awaited First Light Resort & Casino project in Taunton, Massachusetts in early 2025. The tribe recently began construction on a welcome center at the 321-acre site, which will showcase the casino resort plans and educate visitors about tribal history.

Tribal Council Chair Brian Weeden confirmed they are developing a phased plan with the city for the casino resort. Prior to breaking ground on the welcome center, the tribe conducted environmental cleanup efforts to remove illegal dumping waste from the property.

The tribe currently owes Taunton over $2.35 million in back payments, after annual property tax payments ceased in 2021 when previous development partner Genting withdrew from the project. Tribal officials have assured the city will receive all owed payments once the casino becomes operational.

The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, with 3,200 members, will likely need a new financial partner to proceed with casino development, as their main current business is a 12-acre shellfish farm. While federal law requires tribal casinos to primarily benefit the tribe, outside investors can share in profits. The tribe may reveal a new development partner in their upcoming 2025 announcement.

The property was placed in federal trust in 2015 through the US Department of Interior and Bureau of Indian Affairs. The tribe's former leader, Cedric Cromwell, who helped secure the initial development deals, was sentenced in 2022 to three years in prison on federal extortion and bribery charges.

Related Articles

Previous Articles