The Associated Press reports here that the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts appears to be leading the race to build a casino in southeastern Massachusetts.The tribe, in talks with the state for a gambling contract, has revealed plans for a casino in Taunton.

The Wampanoags of Martha's Vineyard, however, are facing an uphill legal battle to build a casino.

Meanwhile, the Aquinnah Wampanoag said they remain ready and willing to enter compact negotiations with Massachusetts despite the state's position that the tribe surrendered gambling rights - either on Martha's Vineyard or on any future land it acquired in the state - in the 1985 land claims settlement.

The Taunton casino would be built in phases over five years. It doesn't look very impressive even in the rendering stage. It will be a long time before anyone can put anything comparable to Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun in place in Massachusetts.