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Learning the Kahnawake Gambling Licence for Online Casinos
Operating a casino online entails having an idea of how the iGaming market operates, rules, regulations, and good practices when operating the business. One of the most critical processes that any operator should undertake is obtaining a valid license to operate their casino in a lawful way.
Obtaining a licence isn't just regulation—obtaining it is also essential in order to gain trust and be able to expand your casino. Turnkey solution is one of the most prevalent solutions to many casino businesses today. What you'll do here is get your own licence and use pre-approved software. This will keep you in full control of your platform and it's simpler to be compliant with regulations.
In this article, we will let you know everything about the Kahnawake gambling license—its benefits, its cost, and why it could be ideal for your online casino venture.
Kahnawake Gambling Licence Main Points
Looking for information on gaming licence is normally a herculean task. There is legal, financial, and technical information that does not always speak well. That is why we have simplified the information that you should know in relation to the Kahnawake gambling licence to make it accessible here.
The licensing body is the Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC). It has two overarching types of licence that it offers: land casino licence and online gaming business licence (or interactive gaming).
For online gaming, KGC offers support for a variety of licences for various B2C and B2B businesses. All the licences are designed to provide a specific service, depending on what services or platform you want to establish.
In the rest of the sections that follow, we will classify the different licence options that you have from KGC into categories and state what they are utilized for as well as how they can positively impact your iGaming business.
B2B Options
For businesses offering services to other businesses within the iGaming sector, there are a few significant B2B licensing options via the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.
1. Interactive Gaming Licence (IGL)
The Interactive Gaming Licence (IGL) allows companies to provide online gaming services in the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory. But this licence is greatly limited—it has only been issued once before, and that was to Mohawk Internet Technologies (MIT) in 1999. MIT is the only one allowed to provide services under this licence in the Territory.
2. Casino Software Provider Authorisation (CSPA)
The Casino Software Provider Authorisation (CSPA) aims at those companies which are manufacturing betting or casino software. This authorisation offers the providers a right to use systems hosted by the IGL holder (MIT) and the authority to distribute their licensed software to online operators operating a casino, sportsbook, or poker site.
B2C Options
Kahnawake Gaming Commission also issues licences to firms willing to provide gambling services to consumers directly (B2C). The licences permit licensed online casinos and live dealer studios in the Kahnawake jurisdiction.
1. Client Provider Authorisation (CPA)
Client Provider Authorisation (CPA) is awarded to operators who intend to carry out internet gambling activities through a hosting facility managed by an IGL holder within the Kahnawake Territory. It is not capped in numbers, and it is simple to enter the market.
2. Live Dealer Studio Authorisation (LDSA)
The Live Dealer Studio Authorisation (LDSA) allows businesses to operate and set up live dealer studios in the Territory. The license allows them to provide legally live casino games and perform ancillary interactive gaming services such as real-time dealer sessions broadcast to online players.
Other Options
In addition to the primary B2B and B2C licenses, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission also offers a number of other licenses that serve specialized roles in online gambling business.
1. Key Person Licence/Permit (KPL)
This license is for individuals who have management or key operational roles in companies already possessing a CPA or CSPA license. KPL would typically be the first in the application procedure since principal persons must be cleared first before a company can move ahead to apply for its full license.
2. Interjurisdictional Authorisation (IJA)
The IJA is awarded to those operators who already possess a gaming license in another region and would like to move part or all of their gaming equipment or personnel into the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory. It permits them to legally play within the territory but still retain their main license elsewhere.
Types of Gameplay Covered By Kahnawake Licences
The Kahnawake gaming license allows business organizations to engage in lawful and duly licensed gambling operations. According to the following is a definition of the class of games and websites that are supported by this license:
Online Casinos
These sites may have a license from Kahnawake Entertainment Network to offer gamers access to traditional games like slots, blackjack, roulette, etc. The casinos must comply with rigorous guidelines for fair play and the protection of the information of players.
Sports Betting Sites
Kahnawake can also license sports betting operators. The license allows the customers to place sports bets in a secure environment with fraud and risk managed.
Live Dealer Casinos
Live dealer casinos deliver the authentic casino experience online with live video and live dealers. With the license from Kahnawake, you can operate live casino tables and make the games clear and equitable.
Land-Based Casinos
Kahnawake is not only enabling internet gambling. Their license also applies to physical casinos, so these are covered by legal and business codes.
Land-Based Poker Rooms
Should you be required to run a land-based poker room, the Kahnawake license is your goal. It allows the managers to provide poker games in a secure and managed arena for patrons.
A Brief Overview and History of Kahnawake Gambling Licence
The Kahnawake Mohawk Territory is a First Nations Reserve in Quebec Province, Canada. It enjoys the right of self-government, including the regulation of gaming. As an exercise of its right of self-government, Kahnawake was one of the first jurisdictions in the world to regulate Internet gambling.
Major Historical Milestones:
- 1982: The Canadian Constitution Act specifically recognizes the jurisdiction of Kahnawake and provides that it has the right to regulate the business of gaming.
- 1996: The Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC) is established to regulate land-based casinos and ensure legal compliance.
- 1999: Kahnawake begins regulation of online gaming with the establishment of the Interactive Gaming Regulations.
What the KGC Does Today:
The following are the activities of the Kahnawake Gaming Commission:
- Enforcing legal regulation of online gaming in the jurisdiction.
- Ensuring fair and responsible gambling practice.
- Ensuring that there is no link between online gaming and illegal activity.
- The safeguarding of player rights in the manner of fast payouts, privacy, and fair play.
- The safeguarding of minors and vulnerable individuals from access to gambling.
The KGC presently oversees more than 50 licensees and more than 250 internet gaming websites globally. They include one Interactive Gaming Licence (IGL), three Casino Software Provider Authorisations (CSPA), and several Client Provider Authorisations (CPA).
Kahnawake Licence in 2024
Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC) has been issuing licenses for online gambling since 1999. The legislation is the basis of online casino business operation in the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory, and it encourages safety, fairness, and responsible gaming.
The KGC has built up a good reputation over the years with high standards and only issuing licenses to operators who are extremely picky about their requirements. Licensing rules have changed slightly over the years to cater for new technology and developments but always in the name of protecting players and fair play.
Here are two major updates from the KGC in 2023:
- Website Revamp: In October 2023, the KGC launched a new website. The new site offers easier access to important information regarding licensing and regulation.
- Raise in Licensing Fees: Licensing fees for requesting a Kahnawake license were increased. Consequently, new applicants must pay close attention to the fees beforehand before they submit their application.
Despite all these enhancements, the greatest benefit is that the application procedure and overall licensing act hasn't varied. This stability is great for companies who want to get involved in the market because they know precisely what to expect.
Advantages of the Kahnawake Licence: Why You Should Get the Kahnawake Licence?
Obtaining a Kahnawake license is a great option for anyone who wants to run an online casino or iGaming company. It's renowned globally and highly sought after by new businesses and North American-based companies. Here's why most operators use it:
- Flexible Licence Types: The Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC) offers many various types of licences to accommodate your business use—whether you are running an online casino, poker room, or sportsbook site, we have a licence that will fit your needs.
- No Tax on Gross Revenue: We tax operators nothing on gross revenue. This means that you keep more profits to build your business.
- Cost-Effective in Contrast to Other Licences: Although more expensive than a Curacao licence, the Kahnawake licence is also less expensive in contrast to most European licences such as the one from Malta. It can be a time-consuming procedure, and it's therefore best to go to experts like AIS Technolabs and simplify the procedure.
- Tough Fair Practices and Enforcement: Kahnawake is said to have a hardline on fair play and openness. The KGC seriously considers user complaints and may suspend licenses if a business does not comply with the requirements.
- Prompt Processing Time: Once you have submitted your application, the processing time is no longer than that. Under normal circumstances, you can have your Kahnawake license within four months.
- Player Safety is Supreme: KGC-licensed websites must have stringent policies to safeguard their customers. These consist of offering responsible gaming tools, secure banking methods, and honest games.
All in all, the Kahnawake licence offers a secure, cost-effective, and reliable means of beginning your online gambling business on good terms.
Kahnawake Licence Application Process
Granting of the Kahnawake gaming license is a step-by-step approach that typically takes six months. As much as it may take time and careful planning, utilizing this thorough approach is bound to result in a safe and secure gaming site. The following is an outline of the entire application process:
1. Preparation and Compliance (1–3 months)
Your business needs to be properly prepared before applying. This involves:
- In order to have enough capital to guarantee your business has adequate capital.
- Verifying, as far as possible, that all executive and company directors are suitable and trustworthy, and
- Establishing a clear and strong business plan.
You will also need to obtain and submit:
- A CV (resume) or biography for every director of the company.
- Accounts for the past three years.
Completed application forms for the licence:
Payment of the applicable licence fees (upfront).
2. Application Submission (1–2 months)
Once everything is in place, your business can submit an application to the Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC). This is what happens next:
- The KGC assigns a Compliance Officer to handle your application.
- They screen all documents and conduct a background check.
- If everything is fine, your application is presented at the next KGC meeting for approval.
- If your application is rejected, your first-year annual fees are refunded.
3. 6-Month Temporary Licence
Your company will be granted a 6-month provisional licence if approved.
During this time:
- You must display the KGC logo on your casino website.
- Your website should include an HTML link to the Certificate of Good Standing.
You will be given contact details of the KGC and a Self-Exclusion Player List to facilitate responsible gambling.
There will also be an audit of your control systems during the period, by an approved third-party agent.
4. Full Licence Awarded
After clearing the audit and meeting all the conditions, the KGC will issue your business a complete Kahnawake iGaming licence. The licence has a five-year term but could be re-examined by the KGC whenever they want. If there are serious issues, they can choose to withdraw the licence.
We at AIS Technolabs can help you with all this. Whether you are seeking a CPA, CSPA, or LDSA, we make sure that your license application is completed, accurate, and is ready to be licensed. We will deal with the lengthy process of licensing so that you can use your time in building your iGaming company.
Kahnawake Gambling Licence Fees and Taxes
When licenses are compared alongside gamble, the Kahnawake license stands out for the tax benefits and low fees.
The biggest advantage of the Kahnawake license is that it does not come with 0% corporate tax and does not have any further gaming taxes. What this really boils down to is that operators get to keep more of their earnings, which makes Kahnawake a go-to in contrast to other licenses.
In October 2023, Kahnawake licence fees increased by 14%. The increase does not make the rates non-competitive and non-comparable to other extremely sought-after licences like the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).
Let us take a closer examination of the fee structure and how it compares to other options.
Kahnawake Licence Fees Breakdown
The following is an overview of some of the different Kahnawake licence fees and what they include:
Interactive Gaming Licence (IGL)
Application fee: USD 30,000
- This covers the cost of application review by the KGC and the initial year licence fee (returnable on rejection).
Note: The Key Person Licence (KPL) charge of USD 5,000 is extra.
Since the second year, the yearly charge is USD 15,000, and the renewal of the licence is USD 5,000.
Client Provider Authorizations (CPA)
Application fee: USD 40,000
- Includes application review, first-time licence fee (returnable on rejection) and one single Key Person Permit.
Post second year, annual licence is USD 20,000, renewal licence fee of USD 5,000 and annual KPL licence renewal fee.
Client Software Provider Authorisations (CSPA)
Application fee: USD 40,000
- Includes checking of application, first-time inaugural licence fee (refundable on rejection) and single Key Person Permit.
Additional USD 3,000 for each third-party online gaming operator included in the year.
Annual fee after year one is USD 20,000 with a USD 5,000 renewal fee + the KPL annual renewal fee.
Live Dealer Studio Authorisations (LDSA)
Application fee: USD 30,000
- Includes application evaluation, first-year annual licence fee (refundable upon rejection), and a Key Person Permit.
Annual charge in year two is USD 10,000, renewed at USD 5,000 + the KPL annual renewal fee.
Key Person Licence (KPL)
Application fee: USD 5,000
- Includes first-year licence fee and application processing (refundable if declined).
USD 1,000 per annum thereafter, with a renewal fee of USD 2,500.
Inter-Jurisdictional Authorisations (IJA)
Application fee: USD 2,000
Ready to Launch Your iGaming Business with a Kahnawake Licence?
Technology for Kahnawake-Licensed Operators
The Kahnawake license gives you legal permission to run an online gambling business. But in order to operate successfully, licensed operators also need proper technology—like a solid casino platform, fair games, and sportsbook software.
At AIS Technolabs, we offer software solutions to Kahnawake standards for a secure and reliable system for operators:
- Turnkey Casino Platform and Sportsbook – scalable and flexible solutions for managing casino games and sports betting.
- Game Aggregator – easy access to large inventory of accepted and popular games.
To the companies holding a Kahnawake license, the employment of approved and flexible technology allows for hassle-free operation, compliance with regulations, and ensuring long-term success.
Is It Worth the Effort to Get a Kahnawake Licence?
To have a sportsbook or casino on the internet legally, you need to be licensed.
If you would like to extend the business globally and enter the global market of iGaming, then the Kahnawake license is one of the best licenses you can acquire.
This license is well known all over the world, and thus it is very valuable. Additionally, it has a speedy approval procedure and is tax-free, and thus it is an excellent and worth investing opportunity for your company.
Disclaimer:
This blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only. We do not promote or facilitate gambling activities in any country where it is considered illegal. Our content is focused solely on providing knowledge about legal and regulated markets. We only work with operators and platforms that are licensed and comply with the laws of jurisdictions where casino gaming is permitted. We do not operate or endorse any form of gambling in restricted regions. In countries where only skill-based games are allowed, our involvement is strictly limited to those games.
We believe gambling should be an entertaining and responsible activity. Our goal is to ensure that the platforms we review uphold the highest standards of fairness, transparency, and player safety.
FAQs
Ans.
Players are able to play on Kahnawake-licensed sites with full confidence. Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC) has very rigorous rules to protect users, requiring operators to give serious attention to user grievances and resolve them in a timely fashion.
Ans.
KGC works closely with Approved Agents who carry out tests, audits, and inspections. The agents ensure that the operators are compliant with all technical and quality standards in terms of securing the licence. The coordination helps ensure that the gaming services are stable and clear.
Ans.
All Kahnawake licensed operators will be required to display the official KGC logo on their websites. The players can also verify the status of the license from the official Kahnawake website and confirm that the player's operator is included.