Indian gaming pact set

Monday, July 9, 2001 | 10:56 a.m.

THOMPSON, Conn. -- A Minnesota financial group has announced a deal with Nipmuc Indians to financially back the tribe's casino plans.

The tribe, with roots in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and northeastern Connecticut, has won preliminary recognition from the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. That decision, made in the waning days of the Clinton administration is currently under review by the Bush administration.

Federal recognition would give the tribe the right to negotiate gaming compacts with the states.

Lakes Gaming Inc. said today it "has signed development and management agreements with the Nipmuc Nation of Massachusetts for a potential future casino resort in the eastern United States."

The statement notes that "the Nipmuc Nation's aboriginal lands once extended from southern New Hampshire west to Springfield, Mass., and south into Connecticut." It did not say where the tribe would build a casino.

There have been reports the tribe is interested in land near the Union-Sturbridge, Mass. line.

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