July 24, 2012 (MASHPEE) _ The state senate is expected to vote soon on a casino compact signed by Gov. Deval Patrick and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.

Debate that began in the senate last week was put off until Tuesday. 

The house has already ratified the compact, which promises the state 21.5% of gaming revenues if the tribe succeeds in developing a resort casino in Taunton. 

Some lawmakers from southeastern Massachusetts have been pushing to add to the compact a deadline by which the tribe must earn federal approval to place the land into trust.
       
These legislators say the region could fall behind other areas of the state in casino development if the land-in-trust process drags on too long.