Obtaining a Gambling License in Kahnawake

Kahnawake is an independent territory located in Quebec, Canada, which has been issuing online gambling licenses since 1999 through the Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC). This jurisdiction is among the oldest and most reputable, trusted by operators, payment systems, and banks.

The KGC licenses both international operators and startups, providing equal market access. Fully independent from the Canadian federal system, KGC maintains strict international standards in consumer protection and anti-money laundering (AML). Thanks to stable regulation and robust infrastructure, particularly the Mohawk Internet Technologies data center, Kahnawake is a gateway for numerous iGaming brands worldwide.

Interested in other jurisdictions? Check out our complete catalog of gambling licenses.

Advantages of a Kahnawake Gambling License

The Kahnawake gambling license remains one of the most reliable and flexible solutions for launching an international iGaming business. It’s perfectly suited for startups, crypto projects, and operators aiming for a swift and secure market entry. Here are the key benefits:

• Prestige and History: The regulator’s strong reputation ensures trust from banks, players, and payment service providers (PSPs).
• Fast Licensing Process: Licenses are typically issued within 4–8 weeks. The clearly structured application process and proactive communication by the KGC significantly reduce the time required to launch your platform.
• Cost-Effective: Annual license fees start from $25,000—lower than many European jurisdictions such as Malta or the Isle of Man—with no hidden charges. Additionally, there are no taxes on gross gaming revenue (GGR) or corporate income, maximizing profitability.
• Crypto-Friendly Approach: KGC fully supports cryptocurrency integration for deposits and payouts, making Kahnawake particularly attractive for crypto casinos and blockchain startups seeking a regulator with a flexible approach.
• Flexible Ownership Requirements: Licenses can be obtained by companies with 100% foreign ownership. There are no residency requirements for local directors or shareholders, greatly simplifying company management and tax planning.
• Wide Range of Permitted Activities: Operators can provide: online casinos and sportsbooks, poker and bingo, fantasy sports, lotteries, cryptocurrency-based gambling games
• High Acceptance by PSPs: Due to the commission’s consistent regulatory environment and extensive history, the Kahnawake license is recognized by most global payment systems, including crypto providers, facilitating easier platform integration and international scalability.

License Types Offered by Kahnawake

The KGC provides several license types:

1. Interactive Gaming License (IGL) – Issued exclusively to Mohawk Internet Technologies, providing infrastructure for licensees.
2. Client Provider Authorization (CPA) – Main license type for online casinos, poker rooms, and sportsbooks, requiring hosting at MIT and renewable annually.
3. Key Person License (KPL) – Required for key management personnel, including CEO, CFO, and compliance officers.
4. Inter-Jurisdictional Authorization (IJA) – For operators already holding a valid license in another jurisdiction seeking to host operations in Kahnawake.

Regulatory Requirements

Corporate Structure:

• Incorporation of a company in Canada or another approved jurisdiction with established agency agreements with the Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC).
• Appointment of a local agent and mandatory physical server presence within the Mohawk Internet Technologies (MIT) data center.

Documentation and Compliance:

• Full KYC documentation for directors and beneficial owners.
• A comprehensive business plan and financial model.
• Internal AML/KYC policies and responsible gaming procedures.
• Platform certification, including RNG (Random Number Generator) verification.

Kahnawake Gambling License Application Process

The licensing procedure with Kahnawake consists of five key stages and typically takes 4 to 8 weeks:

Step 1

Consultation and Planning

Our specialists analyze your business model, determine the optimal license type (CPA or IJA), and prepare a customized checklist of required documents. Company structure and key personnel are also defined at this stage.

---

Step 2

Company Registration and Technical Setup

The operator incorporates a legal entity (in Canada or an accepted jurisdiction), appoints a local agent, and connects the server infrastructure to the Mohawk Internet Technologies (MIT) data center, as required by KGC.

---

Step 3

Application Preparation and Submission

The full application package is compiled, including the business plan, AML/KYC policies, technical documentation, RNG certifications, domain ownership proof, and KYC profiles for all directors and beneficial owners. The complete file is submitted to the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.

---

Step 4

Review and Regulator Communication

The KGC performs due diligence on the company and key individuals. Additional documents may be requested. The applicant or their representative maintains direct communication with the regulator throughout the process.

---

Step 5

Approval and License Issuance

Once the application is approved, the KGC issues an electronic license and registers the company in the official public list of licensed operators. The operator is then fully authorized to launch their iGaming platform.

Taxes, AML, and Technical Requirements (Post-License)

After obtaining a Kahnawake license, operators must comply with a set of regulatory standards designed to ensure transparent and secure operations.

Taxes.
Kahnawake imposes no tax on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) or corporate profits. The only mandatory payment is an annual licensing fee, the amount of which depends on the license type and the scale of the operator’s activities.

AML/KYC Requirements.
All licensed companies must implement internal policies aligned with FATF standards and Canadian financial monitoring regulations. This includes customer identification and verification, transaction monitoring, activity logging, and reporting of suspicious activities. AML/KYC policies must be submitted during the licensing process and regularly updated thereafter.

Technical Requirements.
All servers must be hosted within the official Mohawk Internet Technologies (MIT) data center. The platform must use a certified Random Number Generator (RNG), SSL encryption, robust data protection protocols, and responsible gaming tools. Annual technical audits and financial reporting are also mandatory to maintain compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take to obtain a Kahnawake license?
From the moment a complete application package is submitted, the licensing process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. The duration depends on the speed of KGC’s review and the applicant’s readiness.

What is the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake gaming?
It is the governing body responsible for regulating gambling operations within the Kahnawake territory.

Can I use cryptocurrency?
Yes. KGC fully permits the use of cryptocurrencies. Most operators integrate BTC, ETH, USDT, and other digital assets for deposits and payouts.

Is a local director or shareholder required?
No. Kahnawake allows 100% foreign ownership with no residency requirements for directors or shareholders.

Can a Kahnawake license be sublicensed to other operators?
No. The Commission does not allow sublicensing. Each operator must go through the full licensing process individually.

Kahnawake Gambling License Consultant

---

Licenses in Other Jurisdictions