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If you are planning to start an online casino or iGaming business, getting a proper licence is the first and most important step. One of the best and trusted licences in the industry is the Kahnawake gambling licence. This guide will explain everything in easy words so you can understand how this licence works, what it offers, how to get it, and why many companies choose it.
What Is the Kahnawake Gambling Licence?
The Kahnawake gambling licence is issued by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC). It is based in the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory in Quebec, Canada. The Commission was created in 1996 and started giving online gambling licences in 1999. This licence is known for being strict but fair, and it supports responsible and legal gambling.
Types of Kahnawake Licences
Kahnawake offers different types of licences depending on your business model. These are divided into three groups:
1. B2B Licences (For Service Providers)
- Interactive Gaming Licence (IGL): Only one licence exists, held by Mohawk Internet Technologies (MIT). It allows hosting iGaming websites.
- Casino Software Provider Authorisation (CSPA): Lets companies provide gaming software to licensed operators.
2. B2C Licences (For Gambling Operators)
- Client Provider Authorisation (CPA): This is for companies offering gambling services (like online casinos or sportsbooks) from a Kahnawake hosting centre.
- Live Dealer Studio Authorisation (LDSA): This allows you to run live dealer games from a physical studio in Kahnawake.
3. Other Licences
- Key Person Licence (KPL): For people who manage licensed companies. It’s usually required before applying.
- Interjurisdictional Authorisation (IJA): For companies that are already licensed elsewhere but want to operate from Kahnawake.
What Kind of Games Can You Offer?
With a Kahnawake licence, you can legally run many types of gambling services:
- Online Casinos: Slots, table games, and more.
- Sports Betting Platforms: Offer bets on live and pre-match sports.
- Live Dealer Casinos: Real dealers, real-time games.
- Land-Based Casinos and Poker Rooms: Regulated operations for physical gaming.
Why Choose the Kahnawake Licence?
Here are the main benefits of getting a Kahnawake licence:
- 0% Tax: There are no corporate or gaming taxes in Kahnawake.
- Lower Fees: The costs are affordable compared to licences from Malta or Gibraltar.
- Fast Process: You can get fully licensed in about 6 months.
- Trusted Reputation: The KGC is known globally for its high standards.
- Player Protection: The KGC makes sure all licensed casinos treat players fairly.
- Good for Startups: Many small to mid-sized gaming companies choose Kahnawake.
Step-by-Step: How to Get the Kahnawake Licence
The licensing process takes around 6 months. Here’s a simplified view:
Step 1: Preparation (1–3 months)
- Prepare your company documents.
- Have a solid business plan.
- Appoint qualified directors and team members.
- Complete necessary forms.
Step 2: Application (1–2 months)
- Submit your forms, fees, and documents to KGC.
- A Compliance Officer is assigned to check everything.
Step 3: Provisional Licence
- If approved, you’ll get a 6-month trial licence.
- You must add the KGC logo and a special code to your website.
- Your company goes through an audit during this time.
Step 4: Full Licence Issued
- If everything is good, the KGC gives you a full 5-year licence.
- Your business is officially legal under Kahnawake’s laws.
Kahnawake Licence Fees (As of 2025)
Below is a simple breakdown of the main licence costs:
| Licence Type | Application Fee (USD) | Annual Fee (Year 2+) |
| IGL | $30,000 | $15,000 |
| CPA | $40,000 | $20,000 |
| CSPA | $40,000 + $3,000 per client | $20,000 |
| LDSA | $30,000 | $10,000 |
| KPL (Key Person) | $5,000 | $1,000 |
| IJA | $2,000 | – |
All fees include the first year licence cost. If not approved, most of it is refunded.
Recent Updates in 2024–2025
- Website Upgrade (Oct 2023): The KGC updated its website to make it more user-friendly.
- Fee Adjustments: Licence prices increased slightly (about 14%) but are still reasonable.
- New Regulator: In 2025, “PlayCity” replaced the older regulator CRGL to bring more modern tools and transparency.
- More Support: AUGO (Association of Ukrainian Gambling Operators) and other bodies are now working with regulators for more site safety and protection.
Also Read: Ukraine Blocks 133 Illegal Gambling Sites
