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Thomas Negotiates Casino Agreement with Taiwanese Aborigines

On July 24th, 2008, a First Nations consultant said the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority or SIGA seems to be ignoring a golden opportunity for their tribe. Ken Thomas recently returned from his trip to Taiwan where he negotiated a deal with a Taiwanese aboriginal tribe. The agreement could produce as much as $600 million a year for twenty-five years to an experience group in return for managing one or two massive casino facilities off the coast of mainland China.

Thomas, the Chief Executive Officer of FirstNationNetwork.com commented that Taiwan's new president is open to the idea of casinos and several tribes are thinking of getting involved in the gambling business. A Las Vegas group has already signed to manage one major casino facility on the Penghu Island in Taiwan.

Saskatchewan's First Nation's experience in the gaming business makes them appropriate for the role as casino operators in Taiwan, according to Thomas, who signed a memorandum of understanding with the Thao Tribe. Yearly profit for each casino facility is estimated at $1 billion. As the operator of the casino, SIGA's part would be up to thirty percent. SIGA manages 5 casino facilities in Saskatchewan, with a 6th casino in Swift Current set to open later this year.

Thomas signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the intention to show it to SIGA. But the group appears wary to take it on. But SIGA Chief Executive Officer and President Zane Hansen said that he has not signed any memorandum of understanding nor he is involved in any casino discussion. He said that Thomas does not represent that Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority nor has the authority to speak on behalf of the Group.

Thomas was the negotiator for the original agreement with the provincial government that made SIGA in 1996. Thomas will be returning to Taiwan on November 10th, 2008 to inform the Thao Tribe of any development.

 

Wednesday, August 20 , 2008
Victor Copeland