Genting to operate Mashpee Wampanoag tribe’s $1 billion casino in Taunton

Tuesday 15th of March 2016

The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe announced earlier this week that it plans to open a $1 billion casino in Taunton, in South Boston by August 2017.

Tribal officials told a news conference in Taunton City Hall that the 150-acre site, “Project First Light” will begin next month, to be opened by the fourth quarter of 2017, making it the state’s first full-scale casino.

“There is no better place for a casino anywhere in Southeastern Massachusetts,” said Tribal Chairman Cedric Cromwell.

The resort will include a 150,000 square foot casino, 600 hotel rooms, 3,000 slot machines, 150 table games and 40 poker tables as well as an event center and is expected to open in 2018, the investment is estimated to hit $1 billion.

“That’s $1 billion to be spent right here in the city of Taunton,” Cromwell said at the press conference.

It was known that Genting had agreed to financially back the project, however its role in the project was not previously spelled out until now.

“Genting is putting up millions and millions and millions, and has never stopped believing in our goal,” said Cromwell.

Kevin Jones, president of Genting Massachusetts confirmed the project will be run by the Genting Group.

“Genting will operate the tribal casino on behalf of the tribe,” said Jones. “We will operate the casino while helping to build up the capacity of the tribe to operate it themselves. Our role is to work ourselves out of a job on behalf of the tribe.”

Bricks & Mortar Project Development Tribal casino