BOSTON (AP) - Gov. Deval Patrick has submitted a casino compact with the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe to the Legislature.
Lawmakers have until July 31 to approve the agreement if the tribe is to retain exclusive rights to develop a resort casino in southeastern Massachusetts.
Patrick promised Thursday to help the tribe seek "prompt resolution" of federal land issues so it can push ahead with a proposed casino in Taunton.
The governor also said the 21.5 percent of gaming revenues Massachusetts would receive under the compact would be one of the best tribal casino deals for any state.
A developer seeking a commercial casino in New Bedford is warning lawmakers that southeastern Massachusetts could be frozen out of the casino market for decades because of the compact.
KG Urban Enterprises claims the Mashpee tribe is legally ineligible for the Taunton land.
