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Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear wants 141 online gambling domain names seized. He has called the businesses behind these domain names (all of which operate internationally) "leeches".
During a hearing before a Franklin County Circuit Court Judge, lawyers representing Beshear and the Commonwealth argued that none of the companies cited in the complain appeared on their own behalf. Chicago lawyer, Robert Foote, called the owners of these companies "criminals" and compared online gambling to child molestation.
That apparently hasn't sat well with the Mohawks of Canada.
PokerPages.com reported that Grand Chief Michael AhrÃhrhon Delisle, Jr. of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake expressed his great disapproval of the Kentucky District Cour's order to seize the 141 online poker and Internet gambling domains in a strongly worded letter to Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear saying, "We are compelled to draw to your attention that your actions will also adversely affect the members of our community - and that is not acceptable."
Many of the 141 domain names listed in fact belong to companies licensed by the Mohawks.
"This is a perfect example of someone who knows nothing about the effects of their actions," said Grand Chief Delisle, "It's not the first time that a government has tried to prevent us from conducting business and it won't be the last. But, rest assured, we will always protect our jurisdiction and the integrity of the Kahnawake Gaming Commission."
It was not immediately clear if the Kahnawake Gaming Commission had representation at last Tuesday's hearing. Likewise it was unclear what actions the Mohawks intended to take should Kentucky shut off one of its biggest licensees, UltimateBet.com. Gambling911.com first reported last week that the popular online poker company's domain name certificate had been turned over to Kentucky by its registrar, GoDaddy.com. Circuit Court Judge Thomas Wingate has ordered that no action be taken against the domain until he renders his decision this week.
A spokesman for the Grand Chief said further action by the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake to protect Kahnawake's interests will be considered depending on the judge's ruling.
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Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
