Mass. house ratifies casino deal

BOSTON (AP) — The Massachusetts House has ratified a casino compact between the state and the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe.

The House approved it Wednesday by a 120-32 vote. A Senate vote is expected Thursday.

Objections came largely from southeastern Massachusetts lawmakers who wanted the deal to include a deadline for the tribe to receive federal approval for placing into trust land on which it hopes to build a resort casino in Taunton. Without a deadline, the region could fall behind other parts of the state in casino development.

Legislative leaders had previously moved to bar any amendments from being offered to the compact, forcing an up or down vote.

The compact was signed last week by Gov. Deval Patrick and Mashpee Wampanoag leaders. It would guarantee the state 21.5 percent of gambling revenues from any future tribal casino.

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