Kahnawake

The regulations were designed to ensure that interactive gaming activities settle three basic principles: that only suitable persons and entities are permitted to operate, that games are fair to players, and that winners are paid. Mohawk Internet Technologies handles all hosting of interactive gaming services in the Mohawk Territory.

There are three types of licenses the Commission will consider: an Interactive Gaming License, a Client Provider Authorization, and a Key Person License. Holders of an Interactive Gaming License may operate a co-location facility that provides Internet services to Authorized Client Providers. Authorized Client Providers are entitled to conduct online gaming from the co-location facility that is owned and operated by the Interactive Gaming License holder. A Key Person License is granted to people who are in a managerial position at the entity that holds the Client Provider Authorization.

The application fee for an Interactive Gaming License (IGL) is CAD $25,000 and is nonrefundable. This fee includes the estimated cost of conducting due diligence and the first annual licensing fee. The annual licensing fee is refundable if the application is not granted. The application fee does not include any costs incurred from evaluating information about the applicant’s potential co-location facility. Interactive gaming licenses are granted for two-year periods, and annual licensing fees are CAD $10,000. Mohawk Internet Technologies holds the sole IGL.

The application fee for a Client Provider Authorization License is CAD $25,000, nonrefundable. This fee includes the estimated cost of conducting due diligence and the first annual licensing fee. This annual licensing fee is refundable if the application is not granted. This fee does not include any costs incurred from the Commission’s assessment of the Control Systems Submission. The IGL holder is responsible for supervising the activities of an authorized client provider and is jointly liable with the authorized client provider for its actions. Client Provider Authorization Licenses are granted for two-year periods and annual licensing fees are CAD $10,000.

The Gaming Commission also awards Secondary Client Provider Authorization Licenses, for which either an applicant or an Authorized Client Provider may submit an application. If the applicant is not an Authorized Client Provider, the application fee is CAD $25,000. If an Authorized Client Provider submits the application, the fee is the cost of processing the application plus a 15 percent administration fee.

Key Person Licenses are also required for each individual with a prominent role in the operation of a licensed entity. Key Person License application fees are CAD $5,000. This fee includes the estimated cost of doing due diligence and the first annual licensing fee, which is refundable if the application is rejected.

In December 2010, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission and Financial Services Regulatory Commission for Antigua and Barbuda entered into a relationship where a primary license holder in either jurisdiction may apply for an "inter-jurisdictions authorization" permitting them to host in either jurisdiction. The jurisdiction in which the operator holds its primary license is responsible for overseeing the operator’s activities in both jurisdictions.

In February 2010, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission confirmed the independent agency that will help improve their regulatory compliance. E-Commerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA) will ensure that Kahnawake’s licensees are screened for compliance with regulations and will also regularly monitor the Kahnawake Gaming Commission’s licensees.