Based in Quebec, Canada, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission is a regulatory authority overseeing online gaming. Their commission gives licenses to qualified parties seeking to establish online casinos and poker rooms.

Kahnawake carries authority due to their sovereign status; however, even though the commission retains native rights of the Mohawk Nation, they're still in agreement with the country to operate within the Canadian Criminal Code, which states only the provincial government can issue gaming licenses.

The Gaming Commission has a license to control gaming and all gaming-related activities conducted within their jurisdiction. Unlike other countries issuing gaming licenses, Kahnawake carefully monitors and regulates all activity from all sites.

To date, there have only been two legitimate complaints with the commission: the first dealing with Golden Palace's disruption of the 2004 Olympic Games, and the second, dealing with Absolute Poker and cheating allegations, is currently under investigation.

The actual regulatory authority, Kahnawake Gaming Commission, was established in 1996 and is currently comprised of three members appointed by the Mohawk Council. Per their mission statement, the commission is empowered to regulate and control gaming in accordance with the highest principles of honesty and integrity. Their commitment to fair gaming reflects on every site which holds its license through Kahnawake.

Their popularity makes them prime targets in the anti-gambling segment of the community. However, being native Mohawks and operating within the law, all efforts to regulate the commission have fallen short.

All Kahnawake regulations were designed to make sure that interactive activities meet basic principles. For starters, only suitable persons and entities are allowed to operate within the jurisdiction. Secondly, all games must meet strict standards and be fair to every individual player. Third, all winners must be paid.

Application fees apply and are nonrefundable. For an interactive gaming license, the fee is $5,000 CAD. All applicants must also submit an additional $15,000 CAD non-refundable deposit to offset costs of system testing, research, checks, etc.

The cost of the actual license, if an entity passes the rigorous application process, is $10,000 for the first year of operation. Although this fee must be presented upfront, it is refundable and will be returned if entities fail to pass through the process. All interactive gaming licenses are granted for a period no longer than two years. The yearly fee for a license is $10,000.

Kahnawake may authorize an interactive gaming license holder to host another client providing interactive gaming. In order to apply for a client provider authorization license, an upfront, nonrefundable fee of $5,000 is required. The license holder is then responsible for regulating the activities of the provider and is jointly liable for all actions. A $15,000 nonrefundable fee is required to defray any costs, and the same license fee and renewal fee of $10,000 is required.

Kahnawake also deals in secondary client provider authorization licenses. Applications are $5,000 and it must be accompanied by a $15,000 fee. Key-person licenses are also required for every person operating within the entity who plays a predominant role. The fee for this license type is $2,500.

Corporation Tax Rate
There is in is no corporate tax

Gaming Tax Rate
There is no additional gaming tax

Minimum Share Capital for iGaming Company
There is no minimum share capital. Each application is assessed on its merits.

Security Requirements / Indemnity for Player Deposits
Security requirements may take a variety of forms and will depend on circumstances.

Licence Fee
Application fee is US$25,000 plus $5,000 for each Key Person. The cost of the initial risk analysis of control systems is in addition, and varies according to circumstances. The annual license fee is US$10,000.

Licence Length
The initial term is 6 months after which a licence may be issued for a maximum of 2 years. Licenses must be renewed every 2 years and an unlimited number of renewals is permitted.

Software Testing Requirements
Control System Submission must be provided with application. Risk analysis performed on RNG and other key components of the applicant's control system.

Reporting Requirements to Regulators
Continuous compliance program is designed and implemented during the initial 6 month licensing period. Requirements may vary according to circumstances.

Anti-Money Laundering Policy
AML requirements are set out in Regulations. Filing of Currency Transaction Reports required for transactions that exceed US$10,000. Filing of Suspicious Activity Reports required for variety of specific situations.

Country Restrictions
None.

Contact Details
Kahnawake Gaming Commission,
P.O. Box 1799,
Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake,
Canada,
J0L1B0.
Tel: [450] 635-1076
Fax: [450] 635-1139
Email: kgc@mck.ca