Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe’s First Light Casino Begins Serving Alcohol

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe's First Light Casino in Taunton has received federal approval to serve alcohol. The liquor ordinance took effect beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 14.

Since opening as a welcome center in January with 10 slot machines, the casino has expanded to more than 200 gaming machines, along with added entertainment and longer operating hours. In July, the Taunton License Commission had approved the tribe's liquor license. Tribal members said discussions are ongoing about specific alcohol service details, such as whether the casino will include a bar or designated drinking areas.

"It's been a long time coming. It will bring in more people, and I will be absolutely be having a drink," said Tracy Gamache from New Bedford in a statement shared with NBC 10 News WJAR. "It's good for the city. It brings tax revenue in for our residents here and more job opportunities."

The introduction of alcohol sales has prompted some in the community to question whether additional development for the casino is being planned. 

According to NBC 10 News, the tribe's original larger plan for the casino was halted after a 2016 groundbreaking. The tribe had purchased 321 acres of land in 2012, now held in trust as reservation land. The casino operates as a sovereign Native American casino under the U.S. Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.