TAUNTON, Mass. (WHDH) -- The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe presented a $1.5 million check to the city of Taunton, the first step in plans for building a casino in the Bay State.

This will be one of what could be many payments needed to build a $500 million casino in the city.

The payment is for pre-mitigation costs and was required to be paid within 30 days of the tribe winning legislative approval.