BOSTON – Final appointments to the Mass. Gaming Commission were made last week, setting the stage for the five-member panel to begin weighing the casino proposals currently before the state.

The independent body is responsible for implementing and overseeing the expanded gaming industry in the commonwealth.

The final two appointees are James F. McHugh, retired associate justice of the Massachusetts Appeals Court, and Bruce Stebbins, business-development administrator for Springfield. The commission will now move forward with hiring staff, establishing an office, hosting public meetings and soliciting bids for up to three commercial casino licenses and one slots facility. Licenses must be competitively bid and awarded following local approval.

Additionally, the administration of Gov. Deval L. Patrick has hired a specialized law firm and financial adviser, who are assisting in negotiating a Native American gaming compact for a casino on tribal lands in southeastern Massachusetts. •