Kahnawake Gaming Commission is one the regulatory authorities for online gaming sites. It controls the activities of the gaming platforms by issuing online licenses for gambling sites. Some of the sites that apply for licenses include online poker, online casinos and sports betting platforms. The Commission was first launched in 1996 according to the requirements laid down by the Gaming law of Kahnawake that was passed the same year. In the year 1999, the Commission went on to enact its own regulations that gave it the power to give licenses in the Kahnawake territory.
Other than issuing licenses, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission received the mandate to regulate any online gaming activities that were taking place with in the region at the time. The regulations were referred to as Regulations Concerning Interactive Gaming. After this, Kahnawake Gaming Commission became the official jurisdiction for any advanced gaming. It is also the first Commission globally to address the rising popularity of online gaming platforms by coming forth as a special organization.
Kahnawake Gaming Commission has been confused many times as it is located in Canada. It is worth noting that the Canadian Online Gambling laws do not allow any online gaming and betting platforms. This has been the case in the country since 2001, the year that Kahnawake Gaming Commission was created. The Mohawk territory in Kahnawake is located in Canada. The territory has its own laws together with a drafted legislation meaning it has the key mandate to its own authority and not that of the Canadian state. Online gaming platforms can therefore be set up and can run freely without having to follow the Canadian rule of the law.
Once an entity files an application for the license, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission also employs agents that are certified to audit prospective operators. The duty of the agents is to ensure that the gaming operators adhere to ethical standards along with rules and regulations. After the Commission is satisfied that the operator is transparent, professional and has a sense of integrity; its issues an operational permit to the operator.
Goals and objectives of Kahnawake Gaming Commission
The Commission clearly states on their website that it has been empowered to offer licenses and control any online gaming activities that are conducted within Kahnawake as well as its environs. The Commission purposes to achieve its goals by implementing transparency and integrity in line with the mandate from the Regulations Concerning Interactive Gaming Bill. Over the years, the Bill has been reviewed several times by a committee. The Commission’s current goals and objectives include:
- To ensure that anybody below the age of 18 years or any other vulnerable persons in the region that participate in online gaming activities.
- To ensure that the players participating in the online gambling are treated in a fair manner by the gaming operators. The Commission does this by ensuring the gaming operators follow a set rules and regulations keenly. This will also involve legit gaming practices. Any payments made to the players are paid out as required.
- To ensure the player information is confidential. This is the information contained in the players’ accounts.
- To guarantee a safe and fraud-free gambling environment
- To protect all the consumers that participate in online gaming activities whether they reside in Kahnawake or in other regions.
Licenses issued by the Commission
Mohawk territory of Kahnawake hosts an information center that is called the Mohawk Internet Technologies. The Kahnawake Gaming Commission issues licensing and ensures control of the online platforms held by the Mohawk Internet Technologies. The sole manager of the information center is referred to as Continent 8 Technologies. Any online gaming platforms or sites that apply for licenses from Kahnawake Gaming Commission have to have physical servers located here. Some of the online gaming activities include:
- Online sports and racing betting sites
- Online casino platforms
- Online poker rooms
Kahnawake Gaming Commission is a preferred as a licensing body as it issues several licenses to online gambling sites. It offers four types of licenses to all gaming platforms that it has authority over. Online gaming platforms can also obtain licenses for more than two activities that they provide. The main types of licenses issued include:
- Interactive Gaming License abbreviated as IGL.
This type of license is issued to a certified hosting center that is located within the Kahnawake territory. The Commission issues only one Interactive Gaming License at a time. Mohawk Internet Technologies have been the only holders of the IGL issued by the Commission back in 1999.
- Client provider Authorization abbreviated as CPA.
This license is issued to any approved bodies that offer online gaming or gambling activities, the activities may include poker, casino and sports betting. The operator may be issued with as many licenses as possible as there is no minimum number. An Authorized Client Provider is a valid owner of the Client Provider Authorization License.
- Inter-jurisdictional Authorization abbreviated as IJA.
IJA licensing is issued to a license body that already has a Valid Interactive Gaming license issued by any other Authority which in this case will be the primary regulating body. The licensee may wish to move some or all of its equipment as well as staff to another region within Kahnawake Mohawk Territory.
- Key person License abbreviated as KPL.
If one of the people in charge of the operations and managerial duties holds a Certificate in Public Accounts (CPA), he or she will be issued with this license.
The bottom-line
Players playing on gambling sites licensed by Kahnawake Gaming Commission can be assured that the sites are safe. The Commission was created to take care of the needs of the consumers who access online gaming platforms that have a license from the Authority. Whether you are accessing the platforms from within the territory or outside Kahnawake, your rights as a player are protected as well. The Commission has a global recognition, for players, this means that they can game safely and send any grievances they may experience to the Commission.
