The Stars Group and Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort have entered into partnership for online betting and gaming and retail sportsbook market access, subject to license availability, state law and regulatory approvals.
The 5,200 square-foot Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe owned property grants the group the option to operate and brand real-money online sports betting, poker and casino in New York on a first skin basis.
Recently the New York State Gaming Commission rubber stamped the state’s entry, with hopes in place that the first sportsbooks could launch within weeks, as the impending September start date of the National Football League edges closer.
According to law, sports betting is to be granted at four upstate casinos, namely Resorts World Catskills in Monticello, Rivers Casino in Schenectady, del Lago Casino near Rochester and Tioga Downs near Binghamton, as well as the seven tribal entities.
“We are excited to announce this agreement with Mohawk, which further strengthens our market access as we work to build our Fox Bet business into one of the leaders in the emerging US online betting and gaming market,” added Robin Chhabra, CEO of Fox Bet, the new U.S. sports betting brand of The Stars Group.
Furthermore, the agreement is to also provide support services for Mohawk, relating to the launch of operation of the retail sportsbook within Northern New York.
Mohawk is to receive a revenue share from the operation of the online offerings, with Stars to gain its revenue share from the operation of the retail sportsbook.
Todd Papineau, general manager of the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort, explained: “We are thrilled to elevate the sports betting experience for our guests in our new sports lounge, a 5,200 square foot sports betting hub that will be ready during the NFL season.
“Once permissible in the state, we will be prepared to accept sports wagers through our new kiosks. With its online betting and gaming solutions and Fox Bet and PokerStars brands, we believe The Stars Group is the ideal partner for us, and it is positioned to become a leader in the US online betting and gaming industry.
“We are delighted to work with The Stars Group, one of the world’s largest, most licensed online gaming companies, to leverage the opportunity presented by online betting and gaming in the State of New York.”
