The Mohegan Tribe in the Bay State is gaming that the Legislature will approve casinos next year. 152 acres in Palmer, the likely site of a resort casino, has already been leased by the Connecticut-based tribe.

Chief of staff Charles Bunnell said that Palmer is an exceptional site and if the bill is passed they’d happy to develop and bring their product to the people of Massachusetts.

Securing the land is the next step in getting a foothold in Western Massachusetts.

House Speaker Sal DiMasi (D-North End) and other members earlier this year, had rejected Gov. Deval Patrick’s proposal for three resort casinos. Northeast Realty Associates LLC has leased Mohegan for 50 years together with an option to extend it for another 49 years. It may also allow them to purchase the property in the future.

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