Kahnawake Gaming Commission

The Role of the Kahnawake Gaming Commission

In the southern region of Quebec lies the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory, home to the Kahnawake Gaming Commission. Tasked with regulating both land-based casinos and interactive gaming sites.

Licensing Framework

The Kahnawake Gaming Commission administers four types of licenses, authorizations, and permits crucial for the operation of gaming activities within the territory:

• Interactive Gaming License (IGL): This license approves a hosting facility within Kahnawake to offer interactive gaming services. At any given time, only one IGL is permitted. Since 1999, Mohawk Internet Technologies has exclusively held the IGL issued by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.
• The Client Provider Authorization (CPA) enables approved entities to provide interactive gaming services, such as casino, poker, and sportsbook offerings.
• The Inter-Jurisdictional Authorization (IJA) allows entities with a valid interactive gaming license from another jurisdiction (the primary jurisdiction) to relocate some or all of their equipment and personnel within the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory.
• The Key Person License (KPL) is essential for individuals who oversee managerial or operational functions within entities holding a CPA. Transitioning into this license, at least one person within the organization must hold a KPL.

Historical Background

Established in 1996 under the Kahnawake Gaming Law. The commission expanded its mandate in 1999 to include regulations specifically tailored for interactive gaming. These regulations aim to uphold principles of responsible and fair gaming, prevent association with criminal activities, protect vulnerable individuals, and ensure prompt payment to winners.

Partnerships and Collaborations

In addition to its local regulatory functions, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission has fostered partnerships with other gambling jurisdictions worldwide. Memoranda of Understanding have been established with countries such as Antigua and Barbuda, Malta, and Alderney. Domestically, agreements are in place with entities like the Six Nations Gambling Commission in Ontario and the Santa Ysabel Union in California.

Legal Landscape and Challenges

While Canadian law typically reserves the provision of online gambling services to provincial governments, the Kahnawake group asserts its sovereign right to regulate gaming sites within its territory.

Assurance of Reliability

The Kahnawake Gaming Commission takes pride in providing a comprehensive regulatory framework, along with appealing incentives for license holders. These incentives encompass zero tax rates, robust infrastructure, and stringent security measures. Furthermore, since Mohawk Internet Technologies must host all gaming companies, the commission holds significant authority to ensure compliance and take action against non-compliant entities.

Addressing Challenges and Reputation

Despite its efforts, the KGC faced a setback in 2007 when a scandal involving cheating at online poker tarnished its reputation. However, the commission’s proactive approach in cooperating with authorities during the investigation helped mitigate the damage.

Current Landscape and Future Prospects

Currently, Mohawk Internet Technologies hosts numerous clients operating hundreds of online gaming websites. However, potential regulatory actions from the Quebec government pose challenges to the team’s gaming operations. Yet, with its established reputation and regulatory prowess, the KGC remains poised to navigate these challenges and continue its role in shaping the online gaming landscape.

• Address: Kahnawake Gaming Commission
  P.O. Box 1799, Route 138
  Kahnawà:Ke Mohawk Territory, Quebec
  J0L 1B0, Canada
• Telephone: +1 450 635 1076
• Fax: +1 450 635 1139
• Email: info@gamingcommission.ca
• Website: https://gamingcommission.ca/

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