AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe-owned casino, Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort (AMCR), has entered into an agreement with The Stars Group, an online and mobile gambling and entertainment company.

The alliance will support AMCR’s introduction of retail sports betting to the North Country region, a milestone for AMCR as New York State moves toward regulated sports wagering, a press release from the casino said.

The agreement also grants The Stars Group an option to operate and brand real-money online sports betting, poker, and casinos in New York on a first-skin basis, subject to license availability, state law, and regulatory approvals.

Earlier this month, the New York Gaming Commission, which regulates legal gambling in the state, approved rules for licensing, opening, and operating sports betting facilities in the state.

Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort general manager Todd Papineau said, “Our highly experienced team is thrilled to announce a state-of-the-art sports betting experience in partnership with The Stars Group. With online betting and gaming solutions and FOX Bet and PokerStars brands, we believe The Stars Group is positioned to become a leader in the U.S. online betting and gaming industry — and our casino is excited to connect our sports enthusiasts with the next generation of interactive gaming.”

Wagers will be accepted through kiosks as soon as the state permits sports wagering.

In anticipation of sports betting regulations permitting wagering in the state, the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort’s renovation planning kicked off months ago, and construction of the 5,200 square-foot Stick’s Sports Bar & Sports Book is starting.

It will feature a high-definition video wall and 25 television screens. It is expected to open in this fall.