When the Quebec government authorized the gaming giant Loto Quebec to enter the online gambling industry, many believed that this was a step in the right direction. The legalization of Loto Quebec into the online gambling industry provided an opportunity for the free flow of ideas and the acceptance of the already established Kahnawake Gaming Commission and Mohawk Council of Kahnawake as allies. But the Quebec government is singing a different tune. Read more.
While Quebec is already home to the Kahnawake Gaming Commission which houses many other online gaming entities, statements released by government officials indicate that Kahnawake is viewed as a competitor. Furthermore, statements suggest that the Quebec government is stiffening its stance against Kahnawake and what they term as illegal online gambling. It was a big fat French backhand with a white silk glove to the face, and the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake fired back denouncing the sentiments of the Quebec government.
The Quebec government referred to Kahnawake as an underground economy, and referenced them as illegal gaming. Interestingly enough, Kahnawake doesn’t actually offer any online gaming themselves. In fact Kahnawake’s role is more closely defined as a world class host for online gaming and a major third party regulator for online gaming practices. Surely, the Quebec government is aware of this, non? It would appear not, judging from various statements made. The notion that Quebec will suddenly break into the online gaming market and just start bullying the competition is ridiculous, anyone in the industry knows that. Quebec will only be offering their online services to Quebecers residing in the province, they will be competing with established entities like PokerStars, PartyGaming and Full tilt, so how much of a market share can they really take?
So much for the Statement of Understanding and Mutual Respect, in which the Quebec government acknowledged and accepted Kahnawake, now the tune being sung is different. It appears all bets are off with the Quebec government and Kahnawake. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Conventional wisdom would suggest that instead of being at odds with Kahnawake, why not utilize their expertise to offer the best product possible to give the best chance at competing in an already established market. Furthermore, why turn your back on Kahnawake, which has been operating for twelve years providing in province jobs and conducting its business with class and without reproach? It makes you scratch your head when you really think about it. It’s fair to say the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake isn’t happy about the Quebec government’s stance and under the circumstances, they have every right to be disgruntled.
