TAUNTON, MA — The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe has officially unveiled a major expansion of its First Light Casino Welcome Center in Taunton, transforming the facility from a modest trailer with just 10 slot machines into a vibrant gaming venue featuring 200 machines and a range of new attractions.
The grand opening of the expanded wing took place on July 28, celebrating what the tribe describes as a “game-changing expansion.” In addition to tripling the size of the gaming floor, the update introduces new hours of operation — now open daily from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
“As of yesterday, if you walked in here, you would’ve seen 54 machines; that wall was torn down overnight, and it expanded to 200 machines and other vendors,” said Selena Hendricks, Secretary of Gaming Authority for the Tribe’s Board of Directors.
The expanded slot selection includes popular electronic games such as Buffalo and Ultimate Fire Link, along with ARIES-Coin Pushers and Bluberi games, which are exclusive to the First Light Casino in the region.
To mark the milestone, the casino has launched a series of themed promotional events. The celebrations began with “Money Monday” on July 28, where guests stepped into a money machine to grab as much cash as possible. “Winners Wednesday” followed on July 30, offering the first 100 visitors $10 in free play. Coming up next is “Savory Saturday” on August 2, featuring local food trucks from noon to 5 p.m.
In addition to gaming, the casino is preparing to offer alcohol service. A beverage license was recently approved by Taunton’s License Commission. While plans are still in development, options include adding a bar or designated drinking area — pending federal approval.
The expansion marks the latest step in the tribe’s long-term vision for the First Light Casino project, which was initially proposed as a large-scale resort in 2016 but later scaled back.
“Our expanded casino floor isn’t just about more games — it’s about elevating the experience,” the tribe said in a statement. “We see this as a key step in building momentum for the future of the First Light Casino project.”
