What is KYC and why does the casino require documents
What is KYC in simple words
KYC (Know Your Customer) is a mandatory player identification procedure. Its goal is to confirm that there is a real person behind the account, older than the minimum age, not using other people's data, not laundering money and not violating country/license restrictions. For the player, this is about security and legality, for casinos - about compliance with the requirements of regulators and payment partners.
Why casinos require documents
1. Fight fraud: exclude multi-accounts, card theft and bonus abuse.
2. Age restrictions: non-admission of minors.
3. Responsible play: the ability to apply limits, self-exclusion and blocking correctly.
4. AML/CTF compliance: prevention of money laundering and terrorism financing.
5. Payment compatibility: banks and processors work only with verified merchants and customers.
6. Jurisdiction and taxes: checking the availability of services and correct tax reporting.
What KYC consists of
Identification (ID): confirmation of full name and date of birth.
Proof of Address (POA): reconciliation of country/region and residential address.
Verification of the payment method (PMV): comparison of the account/card/wallet owner with the account owner.
Additional risk check: POP/sanctions lists, sources of funds (SoF/SoW), with non-standard activity.
What documents are usually suitable
For personality (one of):- Passport (spread with photo)
- National ID (both parties)
- Driver's license (if accepted by the regulator)
- Tips: photos without glare/cropping, data is readable, the document is valid and not expired.
- Utility bill
- Bank statement or letter from the bank
- Tax Notice/Government Portal Page
- Important: the name, address, date and logo/details of the sending organization are visible.
- Bank card photo (first 6 and last 4 digits, name; CVV closed)
- Wallet screen/statement with owner's name
- IBAN/Bank Transfer Statement
How is the check: step by step
1. Downloading documents in your personal account: follow the format and size prompts.
2. Live shooting/selfie video (if required): the system will compare the face with the document.
3. Automatic reconciliation: OCR + validation checks, countries, sanctions lists.
4. Manual compliance (if necessary): the specialist will clarify the details or request additional documents.
5. Result: verified/limited status/request to reload.
Typically, a basic check takes from a few minutes to 24 hours; Extended - Longer if proof of funding source is required.
When KYC is required
Before the first withdrawal.
With a large deposit/withdrawal, an increase in limits or a change in the risk profile.
At signs of multi-account, bonus abuse, disputed transactions.
When regulatory thresholds of turnover or winnings are reached.
How KYC differs from AML
KYC - find out who the client is (ID, address, payments).
AML - understand what the client is doing with the money (transaction monitoring, non-standard patterns, reputation lists).
They usually go together: first identification, then behavioral and transactional control.
How a casino stores and protects data
Encryption and segmentation: files and fields with personal data are stored encrypted.
Role access: only compliance officers see documents.
Minimization and retention: storage of only the necessary and only the necessary period according to the requirements of the license.
Confidentiality: publication or transfer to third parties is prohibited, except as provided by law/regulator/payment integration.
What to do if KYC "fails"
Check readability: re-photograph the document in daylight, without glare, in its entirety.
Compare account and document data: name, address, date of birth must match.
Upload the latest document to (≤90 days).
Remove VPN during selfie verification, use the current browser/mobile application.
Respond to a compliance request: sometimes you need a bank statement or confirmation of the source of funds.
Typical player mistakes
Cropped or "shaded" document fields.
Mismatch of the name in the account and on the map.
"Old" receipts or screenshots without date/logo.
Use of relative cards/wallets.
Attempt to pass KYC to another region when actually playing from a banned country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will my money be blocked for KYC time?
Deposits and play are usually available, but withdrawal is after successful verification.
Why confirm my address if I've already confirmed my identity?
The address is important for jurisdiction, taxes, limits and responsible play.
Can I hide part of my card number?
Yes: usually show the first 6 and last 4 digits; CVVs are always closed.
Do I need to go through KYC again?
Sometimes - when changing the address/surname, expiring the document or moving to high limits.
What is a Source of Funds (SoF/SoW) check?
This is confirmation of where you got the money to play (salary, business income, asset sale). Selectively requested at higher risks/volumes.
Practical tips to get through the first time
1. Fill in the profile 100% - name, date of birth, address as in the document.
2. Prepare the set in advance: ID + address ≤90 days + confirmation of payment.
3. Take high-quality photos: without frames and filters, the whole document is in the frame.
4. Use the same payment method in your name.
5. Keep copies of files: useful when re-checking or in another casino.
Why KYC benefits the player
Winning protection: No one but you will withdraw funds.
Quick payouts after verification: fewer delays and disputes.
Fair Wednesday: Fewer multi-accounts and bonus abuse.
Legal certainty: You play at the operator who follows the rules.
Bottom line: KYC is not a "casino whim," but a normal part of licensed gambling. The sooner you correctly pass verification (ID + address + payment method), the faster you will get access to full functionality and hassle-free payments.