August 24, 2011 (BOSTON) Legislative leaders have unveiled a new proposal to bring expanded gaming to Massachusetts.           

A bill released yesterday allows the state to license three resort casinos and one slot parlor and establishes guidelines for the bidding process.           

Licenses for casinos would start at $85 million and bidding for the slot parlor license would start at $25 million. The bill also sets aside one of the casino contracts for a federally recognized Indian tribe.           

That's a significant development for the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe which wants to build a casino resort in southeastern Massachusetts.           

Tribal Chairman Cedric Cromwell says they look forward to negotiating a contract with the governor and putting people to work as soon as possible.           

Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Robert Deleo support the bill which will be debated after Labor Day.