The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) has announced a new commercial relationship with Entain plc, one of the largest sports betting and gaming groups in the world.

Entain has acquired AVID International Inc. which provides B2B services to the Sports Interaction (SIA) brand. The SIA website is operated by Mohawk Online, an entity that is licensed by the Kahnawà:ke Gaming Commission and the Jersey Gambling Commission.

“Today’s announcement is something to be proud of. It clearly shows the confidence that another ‘blue chip’ company has in our ability to conduct business at the highest level. Entain is not just successful, it is a global leader in the gaming world. With this new relationship, we fully expect to build our market share and create benefits for both Kahnawà:ke and Entain,” Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer, Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke, said.

Mohawk Online is wholly owned and operated by the MCK as a socioeconomic initiative. Revenues generated by Mohawk Online have been regularly reinvested back into the community and allowed for initiatives, such as the Kahnawà:ke Economic Relief Measures Fund, which has financially assisted persons during the current pandemic. The acquisition by Entain is expected to be a tremendous boost to the Sports Interaction brand, and another leading example of Kahnawà:ke’s place as a top player in the interactive gaming scene.

“We’ve had to work for everything we have. Entain has chosen to work closely with Kahnawà:ke, as we have one of the most established and well-respected jurisdictions in the world. However, recognition in Canada continues to be a challenge. For example, we are still fighting for a carve-out for First Nations in Canada’s C 218 gaming legislation as well as in Ontario’s ‘conduct and manage’ modelled iGaming project. Recognition on the international stage – such as today’s announcement, exemplifies the excellence of Kahnawà:ke’s igaming industry and is yet another instance of why we (Kahnawà:ke) need to have access to, and be full participants in the Canadian gaming industry. We cannot and will not accept being shut out by the old boys club,” Grand Chief Sky-Deer said.

“Although Entain has made the decision to apply for licensure with iGaming Ontario for other brands under its umbrella, Mohawk Online and Sports Interaction will continue to be licensed under Kahnawà:ke jurisdiction.”