After years of legal battles and halted development, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe has taken a significant step forward in its long-standing plan to bring a casino to Taunton, Massachusetts. The Tribe’s Welcome Center, which quietly opened with a modest offering of 10 electronic gaming machines in late 2023, has now expanded its operations to include 50 machines and extended hours, solidifying its place as a functioning gaming facility on sovereign land.

Originally launched with machines generating charitable donations, the facility now operates under a new memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed with the city of Taunton. The shift allows the Tribe to begin collecting revenue from its expanded gaming operations—without activating a separate, multimillion-dollar payment requirement tied to its larger casino project.

Slot Gaming Without Triggering Casino Agreement

The recent MOA, finalized on March 21, clarifies that the Welcome Center, though outfitted with slot-style machines, is not officially recognized as the “Casino” outlined in the Tribe’s 2012 Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the city. That original agreement mandates that the Tribe pay Taunton $8 million annually once the full casino becomes operational.

However, because the current Welcome Center is considered a “temporary facility,” it does not fall under the IGA’s definitions. As such, the Tribe can collect revenue from the new machines without initiating the $8 million obligation.

Under the MOA, the Tribe will begin making monthly payments to the city amounting to 2.05% of net slot revenue—so long as earnings exceed a specific threshold. This provision gives the Tribe room to grow its gaming operations gradually while offering the city a share of the proceeds.

According to the Tribe’s written statement, the Welcome Center is now “the only Native American gaming destination in the region.” Mashpee Wampanoag Chair Brian Weeden, quoted by Taunton Daily Gazette, added, “This casino is more than just a gaming destination — it’s a symbol of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe’s resilience, sovereignty, and commitment to creating opportunities for our people and the Taunton community.”

Preview of a Larger Vision: First Light Casino

The Welcome Center’s gaming machines, which include titles like Cash Storm and Forbidden Treasures, resemble conventional slot machines but are technically electronic bingo-based devices. These Class II gaming terminals are allowed under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act without a Class III compact with the state.

While the Welcome Center is currently operating out of modular units, it is considered the first tangible sign of the long-anticipated First Light Resort & Casino. That larger development was derailed in 2016 due to legal challenges regarding the federal trust status of the land. Years of litigation followed, but in April 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a final appeal, effectively affirming the Tribe’s right to the land in Taunton.

Despite this legal victory, progress on the full casino has been slow. According to Tribal officials and development partner Genting Americas, the project is undergoing a redesign, with a goal to secure financing during the first half of 2025. “We are moving heaven and earth,” said Genting executive Kevin Jones during a City Council meeting, emphasizing the Tribe’s commitment to pushing the project forward.

In the meantime, the Welcome Center serves both as a cultural hub and a preview of the larger entertainment destination to come. “Featuring [50] state-of-the-art slot machines, the Welcome Center offers guests a preview of what will become the region’s premier casino destination,” the Tribe’s statement noted.

Growing Foot Traffic and Community Involvement

Local response to the Welcome Center has been largely positive. Taunton resident Cory Campion, visiting the facility for a second time, commented, “I would definitely say it is a good addition [to Taunton]. There’s not really too many places for people in Taunton to go to.”

For staff like Malaysia Ferguson, a tribal member employed at the center, the expansion marks more than just increased foot traffic. “Come win you some money,” she said with a smile, noting the rising number of weekly visitors.

Beyond gaming, the facility aims to educate the public on the Mashpee Wampanoag’s history and connection to the land. According to Tribal treasurer Charles Foster, a tribal greeter at the Welcome Center will eventually guide guests through historical displays and artifacts representing the Tribe’s rich heritage.

City Relationship and Future Agreements

While the Welcome Center is making strides, the Tribe still faces financial obligations under existing agreements. According to Taunton officials, the Tribe owes approximately $2.35 million under a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement associated with the IGA, with the last installment paid in 2020.

City Council members have expressed a desire to revisit the IGA entirely, arguing that the gaming landscape has drastically changed since it was signed over a decade ago. “The IGA needs to be renegotiated based on reasonable expectations given today’s world,” said Councilor Phillip Duarte.

Tribal representatives have not formally committed to revising the agreement but did affirm their intent to address outstanding payments. Mayor Shaunna O’Connell indicated that discussions with Tribal leadership have been productive and that a new memorandum outlining repayment terms is likely forthcoming.