Aquinnah Casino Backer Hired Due to On-Island Casino Interest

The casino developer that Aquinnah tribal council Chairwoman Cheryl Andrews-Maltais called, “the perfect fit,” has been called into question regarding its credentials. According to the Cape Cod Times, KMD Consulting, which was touted by the tribe for their experience with casinos in California and Las Vegas, is unknown to several gambling experts.

“The Aquinnah's choice of a little-known San Diego company is a strong indication industry giants were unwilling to invest millions, knowing the tribe's gaming license could be tied up in court for years, said William Eadington, director of the Institute for the Study of Gambling and Commercial Gaming at the University of Nevada-Reno,” reported the Times.

Andrews-Maltais acknowledged that potential legal issues were a factor in choosing KMD, but stated that her reasons for choosing the firm was partially due to their willingness to fight for a casino on Martha’s Vineyard. “We needed a partner with the resolve to fight and work with us when the dust settles, whether it be a modest Class II facility on Martha's Vineyard or a Class III facility on the mainland,” she said. "Some potential backers were only interested in the mainland. Some potential backers were not interested in protracted litigation."