St. Regis Mohawk Tribe condemns 'unlicensed' gaming facilities

Friday, July 22, 2011  

The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe of New York is warning people not to patronize "unlicensed" gaming facilities, one of which just opened up on the reservation.

The Kanienkehaka Kaianerehkowa Kanonhsesne, or the Men’s Council of People of the Way of the Longhouse, opened the Three Feathers Casino last week. The council represents Mohawks who aren't affiliated with the tribal government.

But the new casino isn't licensed by the tribe or the federal government. And it doesn't comply with the tribal-state Class III gaming compact.

"Any gaming establishment not licensed by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Gaming Commission would operate illegally under Tribal law, federal law and state law," the tribe said in a press release last month that didn't specifically mention the Three Feathers.

Nevertheless, the Men's Council says its facility "meets or exceeds" federal standards, a spokesperson said. The group formed its own gaming commission to oversee operations.

"The gaming commission is a watchdog for the people of the Way of the Longhouse," Men's Council spokesperson Chaz J. Kader told Johnson Newspapers.

Get the Story:
Reserve has new casino at site (Johnson Newspapers 7/22)