Kahnawà:ke Gaming Commission
The Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC) is a regulatory body of gambling products and services established in 1996. Authorised by the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake, the commission issues licences, permits and authorisations to land-based and online operators within its jurisdiction. With just a few land-based operations on its books, its primary focus is iGaming. As a result, the KGC regulates hundreds of online casino brands.
The commission is based in the Kahnawà:ke Mohawk Territory, one of several self-governing territories in Canada. A First Nations reserve of the Mohawks of Kahnawá:ke in Quebec, approximately 8,000 people inhabit the region. As of 2023, the commission governs four Poker Room and Electronic Gaming Devices licensees. As a result, the bulk of the KGC’s work falls under its Interactive Gaming regulations.
Recognising the opportunity for online gaming growth, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission was one of the earliest to license gambling online. By enacting its Interactive Gaming regulations on 8th July 1999, the KGC laid the foundation for online gaming activities conducted within or from the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawà:ke. The regulations are based on several basic principles, as listed on the commission’s website:
- To provide a lawful basis for the regulation and control of interactive gaming based in or offered from within the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawà:ke.
- To ensure that interactive gaming is conducted responsibly, fairly and honestly.
- To prevent interactive gaming from being associated in any way with crime or criminality.
- To ensure that the operators of interactive games treat players fairly; that they pay winners promptly and that all information related to player accounts is held in the strictest confidence.
- To protect persons under the age of eighteen (18) years and other vulnerable persons.
Interactive Gaming
The Kahnawake Gaming Commission grants several types of permissions pertaining to the regulation of land-based and online gambling. Under Interactive Gaming, online casino operators, game providers, and associated companies serving the industry may be granted the following:
- Interactive Gaming Licence (IGL) – Only one IGL is issued at any given time. Mohawk Internet Technologies has held the IGLs since 1999. In 2010, a regulation change enacted by the commission meant that all services must be hosted by the Interactive Gaming Licence holder.
- Client Provider Authorization (CPA) – A CPA is granted to successful applicants who wish to provide interactive gaming services, such as online casino operators.
- Key Person Licence (KPL) – Issued in conjunction with a CPA or CSPA to the person/s immediately responsible for the management or operations of the associated entity.
- Casino Software Provider Authorization (CSPA) – A CSPA authorises the operation of interactive gaming services from the location of the IPL holder, and licence casino software to a third-party operator, such as a game developer or game aggregator.
- Live Dealer Studio Authorization (LDSA) – The Live Casino version of the CSPA. This allows the operation of a Live Dealer Studio, for the provision of live casino games.
Regulatory Cooperation
The Interactive Gaming regulations allow for cooperation between jurisdictions that share the same values of honesty and integrity as the KGC. Owing to this, the commission is on good terms with other licencing authorities. Specifically, the commission has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Financial Services Regulatory Commission of Antigua and Barbuda, the Lotteries and Gaming Authority of Malta, the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, the Six Nations Gaming Commission of Ontario, the Santa Ysabel Tribal Gaming Commission of California, and the Jersey Gambling Commission.
As a result, an alternative route for prospective operators exists called the Inter Jurisdictional Authorization (IJA). The Kahnawake Gaming Commission may grant an IJA to existing casinos that hold a valid licence with comparable jurisdictions. Subsequently, licenced operations can gain a head start where a relationship with an associated body has been formed. All things considered, obtaining an IJA compared to one of the many other permissions is often quicker and more efficient.
Gaming Under Kahnawake Rule
Over time, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission has built a solid reputation. A fair and transparent authority with clear direction and structure, the commission is highly active with a hands-on approach to regulation and dispute resolution. Considering these factors, the KGC nurtures an unswerving approach to fair gaming, resulting in a culture of consistency throughout Kahnawake casinos.
As a lucrative and well-established sector, Kahnawake Casinos have access to leading content from game developers worldwide. Industry giants like Relax Gaming, Microgaming, and Blueprint Gaming, make Kahnawake online casinos their home, as well as modern studios like Nolimit City, Iron Dog Studios, and Hacksaw Gaming. Included are table games, classic slots, video slots, live casino streams, and more.
As is the standard of the modern world, a myriad of payment methods serves many needs. Kahnawake casinos accommodate crypto gaming, as well as a range of traditional currencies via trusted and reputable methods. Banking options include debit cards, credit cards, prepaid cards and vouchers, plus e-wallets, digital wallets and instant banking, where available.
Above all, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission takes a firm approach towards responsible gambling and anti-money laundering. To meet the required standards, Kahnawake casinos carry out security checks and customer verification. In addition, players have access to a range of safer gambling tools. Included are customisable limits, session time reminders and the ability to self-exclude. The latter will block account use to protect the player for an agreed time.
Kahnawake Casinos in Summary
Kahnawake casinos are a legitimate source of gaming for punters worldwide. Systems and software are thoroughly tested to ensure accuracy and audited on an annual basis, ensuring a fair landscape. Plus, a wide variety of games and assorted payment methods suit most needs. Moreover, you can rest assured that if things go wrong with an online casino, you’re in safe hands with the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, which takes ownership of player complaints.
