Electronic Gaming Device pilot project gets go ahead

03/27/2018

The Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�:ke (MCK) is advising the community that it has agreed to commercial terms for a pilot project brought forward by two local businesses, who had proposed the use of Electronic Gaming Devices (EGD�s) within their premises. 

The proponents of the pilot project, Playground Poker and Poker Palace, must now conduct a public presentation before proceeding with the project. This is expected to take place in mid-April.

The proposal was originally brought to Chief and Council in 2016, and after a period of research, the MCK mandated the Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC) to develop regulations governing the use of EGD�s.

There will be a limit of two (2) Operators with exclusivity for a three (3) year period (Poker Palace and Playground Poker). Once all necessary due diligence and testing have been successfully completed, the KGC will issue each of the Operators a conditional license for an initial term of six (6) months, after which, the KGC will conduct a comprehensive review to assist in deciding next steps for the EGD operations. As the impacts of the pilot project are evaluated, additional classes of license could be considered.   

�The projections show that if this pilot project works out, the community stands to receive a substantial amount money through revenue distribution and licensing fees,� said Grand Chief Joseph Tokwiro Norton.    

The Mohawk Council Executive Directive (MCED) was passed by a vote of eight (8) in favor, two (2) against (Carl Horn and Arlene Jacobs), and one abstention (Clinton Phillips). Rats�nhaienhs Billy Diabo was absent. The MCED grants Grand Chief Joseph Tokwiro Norton signing authority on behalf of the Council Table.