MCK Releases Gaming Statement

02/27/2008

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) would like to pass the following important information to Kahnawa’kehró:non.

“We wish to let the community know that we are certainly aware of their concerns regarding the perceived proliferation of poker rooms in the Territory,” said Gaming Portfolio Chief John Dee Delormier. “Chief and Council share those concerns and, as such, we feel that strict limits should be put on the number of licenses awarded and that location of poker rooms should be looked at as well.”

“Additionally, it’s clear that the topic of gaming in general needs further discussion with the community,” he said.

The Kahnawake Gaming Commission has the responsibility to administer gaming within the Territory. As such, and consistent with its normal protocol, the Commission is expected to formally present Chief and Council with its position on these matters in the very near future.

The Commission has developed and implemented poker regulations in response to a Seskehkó:wa/September 2007 MCK announcement that all land-based gaming within the Territory would not be tolerated without a Kahnawake Gaming Commission permit.

As of this date, three licenses have been issued. They are Okwari Poker Palace, Plaza 138 Poker and Snake’s Poker. None are located in the village area.