Developer claims race bias in Mass. casino law

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BOSTON (AP) – A developer that wants to build a casino in southeastern Massachusetts has told a federal judge the state's casino law is unconstitutional because it gives a race-based advantage to the Mashpee Wampanoag Indian tribe.

Lawyers for KG Urban Enterprises told a judge Tuesday the law prevents KG from competing “on an equal footing.”

Gov. Deval Patrick signed a law in November authorizing up to three resort casinos in different areas of the state.

The law gives the Mashpee Wampanoags until July 31 to negotiate a gaming compact in the southeast. Only if they fail would other applicants be allowed to seek a license for the area.

There are no restrictions in other parts of the state.

State lawyers said there is no evidence KG has been harmed by the law.