Electronic Gaming Device pilot project gets go ahead

03/27/2018

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà: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). Ratsénhaienhs Billy Diabo was absent. The MCED grants Grand Chief Joseph Tokwiro Norton signing authority on behalf of the Council Table.