Last Updated on 2025-07-21 by Dirty Dyers
The Casino Welcome Center of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe in Taunton is now authorized to serve alcohol.
Casino gamblers in the Taunton, MA area are eagerly waiting for the First Light Resort & Casino by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe to open. At the moment, the Tribe remains on track to present a phased development plan for the main First Light Resort & Casino in early 2025, under new scaled-back designs since Genting Americas departed in 2021.
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Casino appears to be on track as it is now authorized to serve alcohol. On July 9, 2025, the Tribe obtained a liquor license for the Welcome Center.
The license application outlines three locations for the service of alcohol at the Welcome Center
As stated by tribal representatives during the meeting on July 9, the license application specifies three sites where alcohol may be served.
Alcohol License will cover the following areas:
- indoor service
- an outdoor area
- food-truck perimeter consumption.
“There are three distinct sections,” Attorney Jim Heffernan clarified during the meeting. “The first is a self-service refrigerator glass area similar to what one might encounter at TD Garden or other venues, where self-service is implemented with employees verifying IDs to ensure compliance. The second section is also a self-service vending area, and the third is designated for food trucks located outside.
“This area will be enclosed. Food trucks will be present there,” Heffernan further noted. “However, they will not be available at all times; they will operate during specific events.”
Furthermore, it currently offers complimentary drinks for players (non-players can purchase separately).
What is the Light Resort & Casino Project by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe
The First Light Resort & Casino, a proposed $1 billion integrated casino resort in Taunton, Massachusetts. This development represents the tribe’s major economic initiative and would be the only Native American casino in the region.
Upon completion, the hope is that it will have similar casino revenue like New York and provide jobs and income for the community.
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Casino Key Updates
- Welcome Center Opens – In January 2025, the tribe opened a Welcome Center featuring 50 state-of-the-art slot machines, providing residents with a preview of the planned full-scale casino. The facility operates daily and serves as a demonstration of what’s to come once the full Class III casino opens.
- New Agreement with Taunton – In March 2025, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe signed a new memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the City of Taunton regarding the casino project. The MOA includes the tribe’s commitment to pursue and secure financing for the new casino during the first half of 2025, with guarantees for minimum annual revenue sharing once a permanent casino opens.
Current Status and Timeline and Ley Milestones Ahead
| Initiative | Status | Next Step |
| Slot expansion to 250 | Seeking City approval | Awaiting Taunton review |
| Liquor license | Approved | Serving begun mid-July |
| Phased resort plan | Under design & financing | Public roll-out early 2025 |
| New operator/partner | Unresolved | Tribe to secure financing partner post-Genting exit |
Financing Plans – The tribe has disclosed intentions to pursue and secure financing for the casino project during the first half of 2025. Leadership remains optimistic, with potential announcements of new operational partnerships expected in early 2025 that could accelerate development.
Public Engagement – Tribal representatives have indicated that detailed plans for the gaming facility will be shared with the public in early 2025, involving city leaders in Taunton through a phased planning process.
Historical Context – The First Light Resort & Casino project has faced significant challenges over the years, including legal battles over land rights and regulatory approval. The venture was initially put on hold but has resurged with new proposals and renewed commitment from tribal leadership.
Looking Ahead at the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Casino
The First Light project is advancing steadily: the temporary Welcome Center has grown both in gaming and amenities, and the Tribe is formalizing city agreements to support revenue-sharing will be similar to an affiliate marketing deal where the city would get a percentage of the revenue. In this case, 2.05% of the money retained by the Welcome Center gaming machines be allocated to the city.
Tribal confidence is reportedly at an all-time high, with fewer barriers remaining for the project. The combination of the operating Welcome Center, new municipal agreements, and planned financing initiatives suggests momentum is building for the full casino development.
The project continues to represent a major economic opportunity for both the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Taunton community, with stakeholders working toward realizing the long-planned resort and casino destination.
Clear timelines are emerging around the permanent resort’s phased plan and financing even though finding a management or investment partner remains open. To proceed to full construction, the Tribe will need city approval for expanded gaming capacity and to lock in funding and a partner for the larger build.
