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The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake earlier this month announced its intention to begin operating its first online gambling licensee, Sports Interaction. That company was originally founded in Dublin, Ireland and operated for a brief period in the Dominican Republic before relocating to the Kahnawake Reserve in Quebec, Canada.
The Kahnawake Indians have hosted Web gambling sites for well over a decade now with much success, though not without a few blemishes. They licensed now defunct Ultimate Bet and Absolute Poker at a time when the US Government forced their closure through a series of indictments. That online poker company was also implicated as part of an insider cheating scandal later profiled on the CBS news magazine “60 Minutes”. The Kahawake Internet server had also been used to bolster an organized criminal syndicate operating from Montreal, authorities contend.
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“Chief & Council deliberated long & hard on this matter. At the end of the day, this agreement gives us the unprecedented opportunity to partner with a successful company that has been a good corporate citizen in Kahnawake. The agreements that were approved today will further strengthen Kahnawake’s jurisdiction over gaming & contain provisions that will create employment & substantial revenues for the community. We’ve conducted lengthy & comprehensive research that gives the clear majority of Council the confidence to move forward in this major project. As the agreements are signed we will continue to update the community directly & on a timely basis.” said Grand Chief Michael Ahríhron Delisle, Jr.
The Canadian Gaming Association (CGA) wants the Senate of Canada to bring Bill C290 to a vote soon in hopes of ridding online gambling sites like those the Kahnawakes host.
“A significant and illegal online sports betting business will soon operate within Canada’s borders,” said Bill Rutsey, CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association. “Our Senators’ lack of interest in addressing the issue has enabled criminals and offshore operators, who are not licensed and regulated to do business in Canada, to flourish. This alone cries out for passage of Bill C290 to allow for the proper regulation of single event sports betting.”
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
