Online Casino Scheme Debated by Alberta Gaming Commission14 Mar 2007
It seems no matter where you go in the world questions about the legalization of online casino gaming always arise. Recently, the Alexander First Nation was cautiously defiant in the face of threats given by Alberta’s gambling regulator. This crack down on an online casino hosting scheme the band is setting up is meeting with opposition from the reservation. The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission’s CEO has stated that it is against the Criminal Code for the Edmonton-area reserve to set up online casinos gaming operations with its own Alexander Gaming Commission, and outside of the provincial body’s regulations.
‘At this point, I don’t think it’s illegal. I’d have to speak to the lawyers pertaining to this issue, but I'm not quite aware of the stance the province is taking at this point,’ said Raymond Arcand, Chief of the Alexander First Nation, a group trying to set up an online casino scheme. He admitted that he was unaware the AGLC was investigating his band’s new online casino venture.
The band, located just north of Edmonton, is basing its program largely on the Quebec Kahnawake reserve online casino licensing company. Regarding illegal online casino gaming activity, several government assertions have been made, although charges have never been pressed. Norm Peterson, head of the AGLC, has said the government would take action against Alexander just as it would against any illegal online casino gaming operation within Alberta. However, the chief argued the band can operate outside the provincial rules because it is a treaty nation.
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