"Scugog Natives get Casino Permit"

TORONTO (CP) - The first native gaming licence in Ontario has been awarded to the Mississaugas of Scugog Island.

The 135-member band, located about 70 kilometres northeast of Toronto at Port Perry, has plans for a gambling hall that will be open seven days a week.

"It's an expression of self-government," said John Rabeau, director of the province's aboriginal gaming section. "We are in negotiations with several other bands across the province."

Under the landmark charitable gaming permit, approved by the provincial cabinet this month, the Scugog Nation can offer poker, blackjack, roulette, bingo, raffles, lotteries and Nevada tickets, a rip-and-flip lottery game.

Maximum bets will be limited to $10, and the biggest jackpot will be $50,000.

The operation will employ 250 to 400 workers.

"We have been working on the agreement with the government for a little over a year," said Lisa Edga-Menzies, a spokeswoman for the native band. "It paid off. We are very happy."

The gambling hall, which can be rented by charities, is seen as a financial savior for the impoverished reserve, she said.

"We have never had the money to get anything going. The primary reason behind this is to get a program under way that will sustain us for a long period of time."