Detroit casino developer Herb Strather, the financial supporter of the Mashpee Wampanoag Indians, has signed an agreement to purchase 125 acres of land in Middleboro for $1.7 million. Reportedly, the parcels of land could be used to build a casino complex.

Middleboro Selectman Wayne Perkins said he supports the idea of a casino in the city since it will create jobs for the area. Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Chairman Glenn Marshall explained that the tribe had not decided on Middleboro but wanted to take action when the land came up for auction.

On the other hand, in New Bedford, an area that had previously been mentioned as a possible casino location, officials said they would increase efforts to convince the Tribe to build the casino in their city, despite the agreement to purchase the land in Middleboro.

“They'd be taking the second best option,” New Bedford City Councilor David Alves said about the Mashpee Wampanoag. “We're a welcome host for gaming, unlike many communities that have been untested. Middleboro has not said wholeheartedly that they'll take it.”

The Mashpee Wampanoag will receive official federal recognition as a tribe on May 23.