KGC Licence Categories
The KGC assesses applications by reviewing factors such as a company’s history, reputation and finances, as well as its ability to meet applicable requirements.
The main KGC licence types identified are:
Interactive Gaming License (IGL)
There is one interactive gaming license, held by Mowhawk Internet Technologies since 1999. It allows the company to host approved CPA operators in Kahnawake.
Client Provider Authorization (CPA)
A Client Provider Authorization is the licence category for online gambling operators, including casinos, sportsbooks and poker rooms. It allows them to provide interactive gaming services from Kahnawake under KGC rules and conditions.
Inter-Jurisdictional Authorization (IJA)
This authorization is intended for an online gambling operator that already holds a licence in another jurisdiction. It allows some or all of the operator’s equipment, staff and services to be transferred to Kahnawake.
Key Person License (KPL)
An online casino, sportsbook or poker room applying for a CPA must have at least one KPL issued with it. The KPL applies to people performing managerial or operational duties for the CPA applicant.
Potential Benefits of Kahnawake Licensing
The following claimed benefits for operators applying to the KGC are listed:
- Tax Benefits: Kahnawake does not charge corporate tax or additional gaming taxes to online operators operating within its jurisdiction.
- Relatively Low Fees: KGC application and annual fees are described as relatively affordable compared with fees charged by regulators around the world.
- Refunds for Unsuccessful Applications: Application fees may be refunded if a licence application is rejected.
- Location: The KGC is described as the only online gaming regulator based in North America. Kahnawake is also said to be just 20 minutes from Montreal, a location that may appeal to staff considering quality of life.
Kahnawake Regulation: Key Areas
The KGC’s core principles are summarized as follows:
- Licensing individuals and companies considered reputable
- Promoting fair games and player payouts
- Protecting young people from gambling-related harm
- Establishing safeguards to deter criminal activity
Game Software Testing and Licensing
Casinos applying for or holding a KGC licence must demonstrate that their games are fair. The commission is described as engaging independent audit firms to test casino games and software during applications and at intervals throughout the licence term, including through random checks.
Seven third-party audit firms used by the KGC are named:
- Scout Intelligence Inc.
- Triton Canada Inc.
- BMM Testlabs
- Quinel
- eCOGRA
- Gaming Associates
- iTech Labs
Applying for a Kahnawake Licence
Operators seeking a Client Provider Authorization (CPA) must submit forms, meet requirements and pay fees. The process is described as manageable and estimated to take four to eight weeks.
- CPA Application Form
- Business Entity Information Form
- Personal Information Form
- Key Person License Application Form
- Control System Submission
- The listed application fees are $40,000 for a CPA and $5,000 for each Key Person License, with at least one KPL required. Annual fees are given as $20,000 for the CPA and $1,000 for each KPL. At the end of the two-year licence term, applicants seeking renewal are described as paying a $5,000 CPA renewal application fee and $2,500 for each KPL. Application fees may be refunded if an application is rejected.
What to Know About Kahnawake Casinos
The Kahnawake Gaming Commission is compared with regulators such as the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority, and is described as a regulator players can trust. Casinos licensed by the KGC are also characterized as fair, secure and safe. These are assessments; a licence alone does not show that a particular casino will meet every player’s expectations or is authorized where that player lives.
