Ultimate guide to KYC compliance for online crypto casinos in 2024

Last updated by Emmanuel Omoloyin

at 27.06.2024

Proper KYC policies matter to online casinos. Licensing requires these policies. Online casinos must comply with regulations and protect their business interests. They use fast and effective identity verification.

What is KYC in online gambling?

Each jurisdiction that regulates gambling sets a minimum age. Sometimes it’s 18, 21, or even 25. This rule varies within the same country. For example, in Georgia, locals must be over 25 to visit land-based or online casinos, while tourists must be 18. To meet license requirements, crypto casinos prevent underage players from accessing the site.

Another aspect involves fighting money laundering and terrorist financing. Gambling associates with crime due to the use of crypto casinos for money laundering. Thorough KYC checks prevent casinos from being used to move cash around the world, helping fight crime and improving the industry’s reputation.

Many countries maintain databases where players exclude themselves from gambling. If a player feels that their actions are out of control, they register with the database, preventing access to crypto casinos and sportsbooks for a certain period. When a casino verifies a player’s ID, it checks if that player has excluded themselves.

Casinos need to protect themselves

Bonuses attract players to a casino. Matching a player’s first deposit or giving funds to start playing offers risk-free gaming. Bonus abuse occurs frequently.

Abusers move from platform to platform. They sign up, get the bonus, meet turnover requirements, withdraw funds, and move to the next target. They use stolen, borrowed, or false identities to open many accounts. Automated settings help them meet turnover requirements and maximize illegal winnings.

KYC checks and comparing identities to IP addresses protect casinos from bonus abuse.

How does KYC work?

Casinos must ensure they withdraw money to the person whose name is on the account. They also need to confirm that the money deposited by the player into the crypto casino account belongs to the player and was not obtained criminally.

The casino monitors player actions. If a player’s behavior seems suspicious, they request account verification. Random verification, where they choose accounts randomly, is also common. Certain withdrawal limits trigger mandatory verification. Additionally, a casino often requires verification if a player invests little and wins a lot.

Casino KYC: a closer look

Casino KYC identification documents

Players must provide clear and valid documents to complete the KYC process smoothly:

  1. Passport. Players need to send a scan or photo of their passport. Ensure the image is clear and all details, including the photo, name, date of birth, and expiration date, are visible.
  2. Driver’s License. As an alternative to a passport, players can provide a driver’s license. Ensure the license shows all necessary details, such as the name, photo, date of birth, and expiration date.
  3. National ID Card. In some regions, players use their national ID card for verification. Players must send a scan or photo showing the photo, name, date of birth, and expiration date.

These documents must be valid and not expired. Players must ensure that the details match the information provided during registration.

Proof of address documents

This step confirms that the player resides at the address given during registration. Below are acceptable proof of address documents:

  1. Utility Bills. Players can use recent utility bills, such as water, electricity, or gas bills. The bill must display the player’s name, address, and date of issue. The date must not be older than three months.
  2. Bank Statements. The statement must show the player’s name, address, and date of issue. Again, the date must not be older than three months.
  3. Electronic Receipts. If players receive bills electronically, they can send a screenshot of the receipt. Ensure the screenshot shows the player’s name, address, and date of issue.
  4. Government Correspondence. These documents must display the player’s name, address, and date of issue, not older than three months.

Verification of payment methods

When depositing with a bank card, send scans or photos of both sides of the card used. Cover the middle numbers on the front side, for example, 123456XXXXXXXXX1314. The back side must have your signature, and cover the CVV code. Also, cover the embossed numbers on the back side of the card.

When using a bank transfer, provide a bank statement. Show your first and last name, and your full account number. If you have internet banking, send a screenshot from the page showing this information.

Additionally, verification at the casino may require confirmation of transactions between the player and the casino. The operator needs to see your deposits and withdrawals reflected in the bank account.

For players who use web wallets, the casino may require screenshots of the Skrill, Neteller, Webmoney, etc., profiles. Your ID or email information should be visible, as well as your name. The operator may also ask for screenshots of individual transactions.

Tips to speed up your KYC process

To complete the KYC process quickly and avoid delays, players should follow these tips:

  1.  Prepare Documents in Advance. Before starting the KYC process, gather all necessary documents. Ensure that they are valid, clear, and up-to-date. Preparing in advance reduces the chances of submitting incorrect or incomplete documents.
  1.  Check Document Quality. Ensure that scans or photos of your documents are clear and readable. Blurry or unclear images will slow down the process. Double-check that all details are visible before submitting.
  1. Submit Accurate Information. Ensure that the information on your documents matches the details you provided during registration. Discrepancies between the documents and your registration details will lead to delays.
  1. Use a Stable Internet Connection. A stable internet connection ensures that your documents upload correctly. Avoid interruptions during the upload process to prevent incomplete submissions.
  1. Follow Casino Instructions. Read and follow the casino’s instructions for document submission. Different casinos have specific requirements. Following their guidelines will streamline the verification process.
  1. Respond to Requests Promptly. If the casino requests additional information or documents, respond quickly. Delays in providing the requested information will slow down the KYC process.
  1. Keep Copies of Your Documents. Save copies of your submitted documents. In case of any issues, you can quickly resend them without needing to take new photos or scans.
  1. Use Official Documents. Use only official and government-issued documents for verification. Avoid using documents that the casino does not accept.

What does AML mean in gambling?

AML stands for Anti-Money Laundering. It refers to measures and procedures that casinos use to prevent money laundering activities. Money laundering involves disguising the origins of illegally obtained money, making it appear legal. Crypto casinos faces a high risk of money laundering due to the large amounts of money involved. 

The importance of KYC and AML in the gaming industry

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1. Preventing fraud and money laundering

Casinos monitor player actions to identify suspicious behavior. For example, if a player deposits a large sum of money and immediately withdraws it, the casino may flag this as suspicious and request additional verification.

Casinos set withdrawal limits and require additional verification when players reach these limits.

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2. Promoting responsible gambling

Responsible gambling involves ensuring that players gamble within their means and do not develop gambling problems. Casinos use KYC procedures to verify the age of players. By verifying the age of players, casinos ensure that only eligible individuals participate in gambling activities.

Many countries maintain databases where players can exclude themselves from gambling. If a player feels that their gambling behavior is out of control, they can register with the database to prevent access to casinos and sportsbooks for a certain period. When a casino verifies a player's ID, it checks if the player has excluded themselves from gambling. This helps prevent problem gambling and promotes responsible behavior.

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3. Ensuring compliance with regulations

Regulations include requirements for KYC and AML procedures. Casinos must implement these procedures to obtain and maintain their licenses. Regulatory bodies monitor casinos to ensure compliance with these requirements. This helps protect the reputation of the gaming industry and builds trust with players. Players feel confident that they are participating in a safe and regulated environment.

 Regulatory compliance

Regulators require licensees to follow KYC requirements and anti-money laundering practices. Non-compliance leads to fines and license suspension.

This year, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) fined sportsbook Betfred £3.25 million (€3.78 million/$4.25 million) for failing to protect new and vulnerable players and setting financial control thresholds too low.

TonyBet, based in Estonia and licensed in the UK, received a fine of £442,750 (€515,522 / $565,923) from the UKGC. They checked the ID of winning players only when they tried to withdraw funds, ignoring potentially vulnerable users.

This year, the UKGC also fined William Hill £19.2mn (€21.9mn/$23.7mn), a record amount. They failed to follow social responsibility and anti-money laundering policies. Certain players invested and used thousands of pounds without checks on the source of funds.

These issues harm the industry’s reputation and highlight the difficulty of compliance. The solution is a strong verification system.

Regular casinos vs no verification casinos

Verification-free casinos let players start playing immediately after registration, skipping identity verification. Technologies like cryptocurrencies enable anonymous transactions. Crypto casinos attract players with convenience and fast access to games, but lack of verification has risks.

Benefits of playing at a casino without verification

Players preserve anonymity and play games without sharing personal information. This appeals to those who value privacy. Casinos without verification often offer fast withdrawal of winnings, as no document verification speeds up the process. The simplified registration process attracts newcomers who avoid complicated procedures.

Potential risks

Playing at a casino without verification poses risks to player data security and increases fraud risk. Lack of strict verification procedures allows unscrupulous operators to run fraudulent schemes. Choose casinos carefully, considering reputation and reviews from other players. Lack of verification complicates dispute resolution, as the casino may lack necessary player information.

The future of KYC: EKYC

AI helps improve the identity verification process in many industries.

Manually verifying IDs takes time and distracts team members from other tasks. Artificial intelligence speeds up this process and makes it faster. AI tools scan databases faster than humans.

The difference between manual and AI scanning shows when scaling operations. If marketing works, a crypto casino platform gets more players than a live employee can process quickly. Using artificial intelligence from the start prevents verification challenges when scaling a business.

Optimize verification with AI

AI helps operators customize parameters to determine the list of documents and the time for verification (at registration, at first deposit, etc.). Operators restrict registration based on parameters such as location or self-exclusion history.

AI-based tools allow operators to create blacklists of players to protect the casino license. Operators set criteria for suspicious behavior, such as using multiple IDs from the same IP address or using a VPN.

Operators manage player records, track risky behavior, and segment players by demographics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the KYC process in casinos involves verifying identity and address through specific documents. Players must provide clear and valid documents to complete the verification process. By preparing in advance, submitting accurate information, and following the casino’s instructions, players can speed up the KYC process and enjoy their gaming experience sooner.

AML and KYC procedures play a crucial role in the gaming industry. They help prevent fraud and money laundering, promote responsible gambling, and ensure compliance with regulations. Casinos must verify the identity and address of players and monitor financial transactions to detect and prevent illegal activities. 

References

FAQ

What documents do I typically need for KYC verification?

The player needs to provide a government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver's license. They also need to show proof of address, which can be a utility bill or bank statement no older than three months. Sometimes, the casino asks for a copy of a credit card if the player uses one for transactions.

Are KYC casinos safe?

KYC casinos store player information securely and use encryption to safeguard data. This ensures that only authorized personnel access sensitive information. Players can trust KYC casinos because they follow strict regulations and use robust security measures to protect their data.

Is KYC a legal requirement?

Yes, KYC is a legal requirement for all licensed casinos. Regulatory authorities mandate KYC procedures to prevent illegal activities, such as money laundering and fraud. Without KYC verification, casinos risk facing penalties, fines, and losing their licenses. By following KYC requirements, casinos comply with the law and maintain a safe environment for players.

Do all gambling sites require ID?

Not all gambling sites require ID for registration and play. Some online casinos and crypto casinos offer verification-free registration, allowing players to start playing without providing identification. These sites use cryptocurrencies to enable anonymous transactions, attracting players who value privacy and fast access to games. However, players need to exercise caution when choosing such sites, as the lack of verification increases the risk of fraud and data breaches.

How long does the KYC process usually take?

On average, the process takes 24 to 48 hours. Some casinos complete verification within a few hours if the documents are clear and legible. However, delays occur if the casino needs additional documents or if the player submits unclear copies. Players need to check their email regularly for any communication from the casino and respond promptly to avoid delays.

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