How To Get A Kahnawake Online Gaming License

The Kahnawake Mohawk Territory is a First Nations reserve in Quebec, Canada. With only 8,000 residents and an area of 18.5 square miles, you might not consider it as the perfect location for your online casino or online gaming venture but you would be wrong.

Today it offers gambling licenses to internet-based poker, casino and sportsbook sites and it has garnered a reputation as one of the key players with the best reputations in the business. In fact, Mohawk Internet Technologies, a local data centre within the territory, manages and hosts a large number of online gaming sites and is the number one source for legally hosted gaming sites in North America.

If you are looking for a jurisdiction to set up and run an online casino, gambling site or sportsbook, then Kahnawake could be a great solution. 

Why Kahnawake?

Obtaining a Kahnawake online gaming license carries a number of benefits for the operator. Firstly, the application fees are relatively low when compared to some other jurisdictions. In addition to this, the licensing requirements are not as stringent as others and allow a higher level of flexibility which is particularly useful for startups. But most enticingly of all, there is a 0% corporate tax rate and no additional gaming tax.

What kind of license should I apply for?

There are six different kinds of license in Kahnawake. 

Interactive Gaming License (IGL)

An entity in possession of an IGL is entitled to operate a colocation facility which provides internet services to Authorised Client Providers. Only one company at any given time can hold an IGL, and at the time of writing and since 1999, Mohawk Internet Technologies has held the sole IGL issued by the Commission.

Client Provider Authorisation (CPA)

The holder of a CPA is known as an Authorised Client Provider (ACP) and is authorised to conduct interactive gaming from the co-location facility that is operated by the holder of the valid IGL. They are able to then conduct online gambling activities from premises located within Kahnawake. This is the license that a regular iGaming operator would apply for if looking to base their operations in Kahnawake.

Casino Software Provider Authorisation (CSPA)

If in possession of a CSPA, the holder is able to locate and operate interactive gaming equipment at the co-location facility of the IGL as well as licensing casino software to a third party online gaming operator for use on their website. They are not able to offer interactive games directly to players

Live Dealer Studio Authorisation (LDSA)

Those holding a valid LDSA are authorised to conduct online gambling activities that include live dealers,  from premises within the territory. The live dealer studio facility is required to be inspected and approved in accordance with various health and safety standards as well as being insured, staffed appropriately, and with all equipment being satisfactory to the Commission.

Inter-Jurisdictional Authorisation (IJA)

This license is issued to an entity which holds and interactive gaming license from another jurisdiction such as Malta but that wants to locate some or all of its equipment and, or personnel in the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake. 

Key Person Permit (KPP)

This permit is given to at least one person who is responsible for managerial or operational functions for the entity that holds the CPA.

How do I apply?

In order to apply for a Kahnawake iGaming license, otherwise known as a CPA, a number of documents are required, starting with the application. Also required are a Business Entity Information Form that must be completed on behalf of the business entity and a Personal Information Form which must be completed by each shareholder with 10% or more ownership and each person who submits a Key Person License Application Form, a Key Person License Application Form, and a Control System Submission. For all publicly traded corporations, information must also be provided for each director including a CV, and also annual reports covering the past three years.

Those wishing to gain authorisation to carry out online gaming and related services from Kahnawake are also required to abide by a number of requirements and ethical considerations. These include operating in a responsible, fair, and honest way, ensuring that interactive gaming is not associated in any way with crime or criminality. They are also expected to follow laws on the protection of underage and vulnerable users and to pay winners promptly and keep all user data private and confidential.

Once the application has been submitted, a decision can be expected in between four and eight weeks and the first license will be issued for six months. The operator can then decide whether they want to relocate to another jurisdiction, or obtain a two year license.

In order to navigate the application process and ensure a swift and hassle-free granting of any of the licenses, it is recommended to engage the assistance of Fast Offshore. With over two decades of experience in the business, we know all there is to know about online gambling licenses and have assisted a number of clients in acquiring Kahnawake online gaming licenses for their business operations. We can assist you with all matters relating to the application, liaising with authorities, corporate and tax considerations as well as getting things going once licenses are granted.

To find out more, contact us today!

Contact Information

Ron Mendelson

Director

Fast Offshore

Contact via E-mail