What is There to Know About the Kahnawake Gaming Commission?

Established in 1996 after the passing of the Kahnawake Gaming Law, Kahnawake Gaming Commission is the watchdog for online casinos and sportsbooks in the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake. Today, this article will dwell on everything there is to know about this strict gambling regulator.

Formation of the KGC

As said, this Commission was established in 1996. However, it was until July 1999 that the Commission's regulations for interactive gaming were enacted. That said, the KGC board consists of a maximum of three members, each on a 2-year term. The current commissioners are Lori Jacobs, Melanie Mayo, and Mark Jocks, who is the chairperson. As expected, a team of professionals, Approved Agents, and in-house personnel assist the commissioners.

The Commission's Legality

Interestingly, the legality of the KGC has never been challenged in a court of law by the Canadian government. The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake has steadily maintained that it has the full rights to establish any gaming regulatory authority. However, there was a small blip in July 2007 when the Commission was sued for refusing to issue a permit. Fortunately, the Quebec Superior Court ruled in favor of the KGC.

Types of KGC Licenses

One reason why most online gambling operators choose this regulatory body is that it offers varying licenses. This can come in handy for a gambling operator that provides more than one type of gambling service.

Below are the main types of KGC license:

• CPA (Client Provider Authorization) – The KGC issues this type of license to all its 20+ operating companies. A valid holder of this license can offer online gambling services like sportsbooks, casinos, and poker rooms.
• IGL (Interactive Gaming License) – Since 1999, only Mohawk Internet Technologies has held this license.
• IJA (Inter-Jurisdictional Authorization) – This license is only available to a legal entity with an interactive gaming license from another jurisdiction. The company in question should be looking to relocate to the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake.
• KPL (Key Person License) – Issued to a person who operates or manages a company's functions that holds a CPA. It's vital to note that Mohawk Internet Technologies (MIT) hosts all gaming websites licensed by the KGC. That makes it easier for Canadian authorities to inspect the facility physically.

Brick-and-Mortar Gambling Licenses

The KGC has licensed "territorial" gaming over the past decade. For example, the Commission has been issuing licenses to poker rooms since October 2007. However, there is a limit of approved social clubs that can operate a poker room. Currently, the number is four. They include the Knights of Columbus Hall, Royal Canadian Legion, Kahnawake Marina, and Moose Lodge.

With that in mind, the Commission currently licenses only three land-based poker rooms. They are the Snake's Poker Club, Playground Poker Club, and VIP Poker Enterprises. As usual, the venues have varying sophistication levels.

Kahnawake Official Logo

All gambling sites licensed by the KGC are supposed to have the Commission's official logo clearly displayed. This is a clear sign that the gambling site is safe and certified. To know if the KGC licenses a specific casino or sportsbook, scroll to the homepage's bottom and click the Kahnawake Gaming Commission's logo. Here, you'll also see logos for other licensing operators, software providers, and payment methods.

Dispute Resolution

The Kahnawake Territory boasts an excellent record for efficiently handling disputes between players and gambling operators. This body works with all parties involved to get a timely and fair resolution. Depending on the case, xthe Commission can assign a full-time officer to investigate and resolve the matter.

Players can reach the Commission via:

• Phone: +1 450 635 1076
• Fax: +1 450 635 1139
• Email: info@gamingcommission.ca