Casino Politics at Play

Previously undisclosed documents obtained through a public-records request show the casino deal between Middleborough and the Mashpee Wampanoag Indian tribe was written in part to deflect opposition.

The documents show the town took into consideration the "political realities of the strong anti-casino sentiment" as it weighed an agreement to allow a casino.

One latter from the town to the tribe says negotiators wanted to address the "hot-button issues." The town proposed banning nude dancing, sexually oriented activities and underage drinking at the casino. The town also asked the tribe for $20,000 a year to treat compulsive gambling.

The tribe agreed to those provisions. Middleboro residents will vote up or down on the final deal Saturday.