AMC Opens Cascades

The Akwesasne Mohawk Casino held its grand opening of Cascades on Thursday. Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Chiefs Paul Thompson, Ron LaFrance and Randy Hart were in attendance. David Staddon welcomed the crowd and each Chief made a speech thanking the many hard working people that made this vision a reality.

Chief Randy Hart said, “This is a major feat of the overall story of Tribal gaming.” Chief Ron LaFrance spoke about the significant economic impact from the casino and hopes that Governor Cuomo will realize it and give them a seat on the North Country Regional Economic Development Council. He ended his speech with an enthusiastic “Let’s get ready to gamble!” Chief Paul Thompson talked about the beginnings of the casino saying, “We’ve come a long way, but we’re not done yet.” He asserted the plans to get entertainers from all over the world to entertain the North Country.

Mike Gleason, Hugh Hill and Pat McKeown, from the Massena, Malone and St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerces, attended and spoke about the enormous economic impact the casino makes on the North Country, adding that the Casino is a good community partner that sponsors many events.

The Cascades expansion includes new slot machines and table games as well as a high-end bar and a high-stakes gambling room with $50 per play slot machines. The entire expansion, including the hotel and addition of the Bingo Palace, is set to be complete in March 2013. SRMT Chiefs also spoke of the Casino’s important role in the aspiration of self-sufficiency, citing the many programs the Casino funds for the people.