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 broke ground on a welcome center at the 321-acre sovereign site, marking the first tangible progress in over a decade.

The welcome center will serve as an educational facility about the tribe and showcase plans for the proposed casino resort. Prior to construction, the tribe completed site remediation to remove illegal dumping waste.

The tribe currently owes Taunton over $2.35 million in back payments, which were originally agreed upon when the land was taken into federal trust in 2015. These payments ceased in 2021 after Malaysian gaming company Genting withdrew from the project. Tribal leaders have committed to settling this debt once the casino becomes operational.

The Mashpee Wampanoag Gaming Authority's CFO Jim Erenzo expressed confidence in developing new economic opportunities that will support the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) project. However, with limited financial resources beyond their 12-acre shellfish farm operation, the tribe likely requires a new development partner to proceed with the casino resort construction.

While federal law requires tribal casinos to primarily benefit the tribe's 3,200 members, outside investors can share in profits. The identity of any new financial backers may be revealed during the planned early 2025 announcement.

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