How to get a gambling license in Kahnawake?

The Mohawk territory of Kahnawake is a small settlement in the city of Quebec. The jurisdiction was among the first to recognize the huge potential of the gambling sphere and began licensing operators. The Kahnawake Gaming Commission is the main gambling body, which controls the issuance of licenses and regulates the industry. In the article, we will look at the conditions, peculiarities and advantages of acquiring a local license and answer the most widespread questions about it.

What is a casino license?

Each offline or virtual casino must get a permit before opening. It is strongly not recommended to skip this stage, because neither players, nor partners, nor software developers want to deal with illegal platforms. In addition, operating unlicensed establishments can threaten their owners with huge fines or even prison. License is a guarantor of safety for both players and operators.

Not all countries issue gaming permits. Fortunately, there are several jurisdictions doing this on terms that are pleasant for applicants. Among them is the Canadian Kahnawake. Keep reading to know more about a unique place that has given birth to many successful casinos.

Why should you get a gambling license in Kahnawake in 2023?

The availability of the Kahnawake license provides operators with a wide client base and increases the players’ trust. Moreover, local permits cover all countries except the United States. Nonetheless, you should be careful and learn about industry legislation in each jurisdiction where you want to operate.

What other benefits does the licensee get? With a permit, it becomes possible to open Kahnawake bank accounts, use popular payment systems and buy official games. Also, it is your guarantee of a lack of problems with the law. 

In Kahnawake, online casinos and other gambling entities do not pay taxes. It is a significant reason why a local license is a great option even for newcomers. 

Types of Kahnawake’s gambling licenses

There are numerous types of permits issued by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, but usually, to run an iGaming business you just need to acquire the CPA and KPL licenses. Let’s consider them.

Client Provider Authorizations 

The CPA is intended for those who offer iGaming. This is exactly the document that a regular operator needs to have. After getting it, it becomes possible to run a platform respecting regulations concerning interactive gaming.

Key Person License

The KPL allows operating managerial or operational functions for the holders of a CPA. At least one employee of the company must receive such a document.

Kahnawake Gambling License Cost

The cost of licensing a casino in Kahnawake is not cheap, but still quite affordable.

Payment	Price
CPA application fee	$40,000
KPL application fee	$5,000
Yearly fee	$20,000 per year
KPL yearly fee	$1000 per year
CPA renewal	$5,000
KPL renewal	$2,500

The best news is that Kahnawake is a tax-free zone. Operators pay neither corporate tax nor gambling tax. 

Conditions of obtaining a license in Kahnawake

The Kahnawake Gaming Commission licenses casinos that fulfil the requirements below:

• The software must fully comply with the legislation;
• All servers must be placed in the settlement;
• An impeccable reputation of the applicant is a mandatory condition;
• Applicant should have a proven experience in a field of gambling;
• The directors and founders of the enterprise must have an education; 
• It’s mandatory to place info about gambling addiction on the website and to deny access to the resource to underage users.

Basic documents for obtaining a license

• Application form;
• Presentation of the control system;

• Business plan;
• Information about provided games;
• Availability of RNG certificates such as from eCogra.

All company owners, directors, stakeholders and key employees also need to prepare the following documents:

• Notarized copies of the IDs;
• Confirmation of residential address;
• Financial statements;
• Evidence of no criminal record;
• Confirmation of payment of utility bills.

Contact our specialists to get a full list of documents you need to collect in your unique case. Remember: the lack of some important data can cost you time, money or even the permit itself.

The process of getting a license in Kahnawake

There are common stages of getting a license:

• Appointment of a key person;
• Preparing the package of documents;
• Submitting an application;
• Paying fees;
• Considering an application (4 – 8 weeks);
• Running the business.

According to the law of the settlement, initially, applicants are issued a test permit for a period of half a year. After this time, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission does a review to confirm that the business is operating honestly and in accordance with the legislation. Operators who pass the audit receive a long-term document for 5 years. It can sound repulsive, but responsible operators have nothing to fear. 

Important to memorize, that the regulator monitors the work of licensees constantly so that in case of detection of suspicious activity, the permit can be revoked.

Advantages and disadvantages of obtaining a gaming license in Kahnawake

Advantages

• The stable economic environment;
• The brilliant reputation of the settlement;
• An online casino license of Kahnawake covers all markets except the US;
• Affordable licensing expenses;
• It is possible to provide all types of iGaming and bookmaking;
• No need to pay the authorized capital;
• No taxation on gaming incomes;
• The licensing process is quite transparent, without unnecessary delays;
• Local government supports gambling companies and creates favorable conditions for its development;
• An opportunity to legalize poker rooms and land-based casinos also. 

Disadvantages

• Lengthy licensing process;

How does the Kahnawake license compare to Belize?

Belize is one more tempting location for getting a license. The status of local permits on the world stage and the absence of taxes attract hundreds of businesses to these jurisdictions every year. But what about expenses? Let’s compare the components of the document price in Kahnawake and Belize.

Payment	Kahnawake	Belize
Application fee	$35,000	$15,000
Annual fee	$20,000	$15,000
Key Person application fee	$5,000	–
Key Person annual fee	$1,000	–
Security deposit (in cash)	–	$500,000

It is not easy to choose between these two options. Although getting a permit in Belize is more affordable, licensing requirements in Kahnawake are more flexible. In addition, in Kahnawake, you do not need to pay a deposit. Contact our experts to find the perfect solution in your specific case and get a professional license acquisition service.

Conclusion

The Kahnawake license is undoubtedly one of the best options. This small jurisdiction enacted its regulations concerning interactive gambling a long time ago and continues improving legislation in this area today. It’s not easy to get a permit there, but it’s worth it due to the low expenses, lack of taxes, and great opportunities. To make the application procedure easier and faster, feel free to contact the LicensingAid and get full support from our experts.

Kahnawake Gambling License FAQs