Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Protests Massachusetts HHR Proposal as Violation of Gaming Compact
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe rallied against Massachusetts HHR machine legislation on Oct. 15, calling the devices slots in disguise that violate its gaming compact and threaten First Light Casino revenue. The bill passed the House but not Senate; a conference committee will decide its fate. (48 words)
SCCG Take — The dispute tests enforcement of tribal exclusivity rights against racetrack gaming expansion via regulatory loopholes, with direct revenue implications for the Mashpee operation.
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe rallied outside the Massachusetts State House on October 15 to oppose legislation that could bring thousands of slot-like gambling machines to the state, as reported by Casino.org. Tribal Chairman Brian Weeden told the crowd the proposed historical horse racing machines threatened the tribe’s sovereignty and economic future, particularly with potential placement at Raynham Park near the tribe’s First Light Casino in Taunton.
“Anyone with eyes to see would understand that these HHR machines are simply slot machines with a different name,” Weeden said. The devices look and operate much like slots but determine outcomes from previously run horse races via anonymized parimutuel pools. Reels serve as cosmetic displays of results.
Scaled-Down Casino Now at Risk
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe opened its gaming facility in January 2025 with 10 slot machines. It has since expanded to First Light Casino with more than 200 games. This marks a sharply reduced version of the tribe’s earlier plans for a $1 billion casino resort, stalled repeatedly by legal disputes.
The tribe warns that HHR machines at the nearby racetrack would undermine revenue for tribal services and economic development. Weeden previously stated that the proposal represents “a complete violation of the Commonwealth’s Compact with our sovereign Tribal Nation.” The compact, the tribe argues, guarantees exclusive casino gaming rights in the southeastern part of the state.
Where Compact Enforcement Stands
The economic development bill under consideration would authorize HHR machines at eligible racetrack properties. The House approved the provision in July. The Senate version omitted it. A conference committee now reconciles the two versions.
State Sen. Lydia Edwards joined the opposition and spoke at the rally alongside state Rep. David Vieira. The tribe has also flagged that the machines could expand slot-style gambling outside licensed casinos while permitting participation by those aged 18 and older. The committee outcome will directly shape whether the HHR language survives and how the state honors its existing tribal agreements.
Reporting: Casino.org News
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