The Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC), regulator to many Canada-facing online casinos such as Aztec Riches, Captain Cooks, Casino Classic, Golden Reef and Golden Tiger to mention a few, has announced that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Jersey Gambling Commission (JGC). The latter being the regulatory body created by the government of the Island of Jersey, one of many independent European Territories comprising the Channel Islands archipelago located between England and France.
The two regulatory bodies conveyed that they have signed the MOU in view of the continuing globalisation of gambling services, which in effect increases the coverage of markets participated in by the online gambling facilities licensed by their respective jurisdiction. The MOU accordingly provides an official basis for the coordination and cooperation between the two gaming regulators. To which the agreement entered into by the KGC and JGC includes the acquisition, use, handling, exchange, and protection of information related to the activities engaged in by companies or individuals providing, or using gambling facilities under each gaming commission’s regulatory jurisdiction. Where appropriate and necessary, the agreement includes operational collaboration as well.
The MOU became effective September 01, 2015 and is understood to remain in force unless otherwise terminated by any one of the two contracting parties.
The Chairperson of KGC, Mark Jocks, commented that they are pleased to have sealed officially a relationship of cooperation with the JGC, through the signing of the MOU agreement. Mr. Jocks said they are convinced that the MOU arrangement benefits both the online gambling industry and the players, as it enhances the degree of cooperation among and between gambling regulators.
Dr Jason Lane, the Chief Executive Officer of JGC likewise remarked that formalising the relationship is a welcome development, as it demonstrates their recognition of the global nature of the online gambling business. The MOU signing also manifests their commitment as a responsible member of the network of international regulators. He added that it is increasingly important for them to work together in a practical sense that goes beyond mere sharing of best practices.
About the Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC)
The KGC is a gaming regulatory body located within the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake in Quebec, Canada. It issues remote gambling licenses, as well as regulates online casinos, online sportsbook facilities, and online poker rooms, including the three Kahnawake-based brick-and-mortar poker rooms. The remote gambling permits issued by the KGC are called “Client Provider Authorisation” and are awarded in conjunction with the issuance of a “Key Person Licence.” Since its establishment in 1996, the regulatory activities under the Kahnawake Gaming Law have never been contested by any jurisdiction, including the Canadian government.
About the Jersey Gambling Commission (JGC)
The JGC regulates all gambling operations in the Island of Jersey, from online gambling sites to lotteries, betting shops, and raffle draws. A 3-member Commission oversees the JGC in carrying out its duties of making certain that gambling operations in the Island are run fairly, in order to protect the interests of customers. As a government regulatory body, it is under the authority of the Jersey Government’s Economic Development Minister.