Get to know how online casino KYC checks work and understand why it is important to pass these checks before you make a deposit. (Image by Habiba Sultana on Vecteezy)
Online casino KYC checks are known as ‘Know Your Customer’ checks. Casinos use this process to verify your identity and that you are old enough to gamble. Although it is usually a simple process, this guide is here to help you understand the pitfalls of KYC checks and how to avoid them.
I often see players complain about this process, and the complaints that I see are mixed. Some are genuine misunderstandings by the players or casinos. Others, when I dug deeper, I found the player was at fault. For example, they may claim a no-deposit bonus under a fake name, then try to change their name on the platform and pass KYC checks.
First, when you sign up for an online casino, you should always use your correct name, address, and telephone number. These are the details the casino will use to match you with documents to fulfill the KYC process.
A second point it’d like to make is that before signing up for online casinos, check the casino has valid licensing. As a player, this offers protection as you have a licensing body to complain to if you feel the casino is unfairly failing your KYC checks. We already have a guide to help you through this process called ‘How to Check Online Casino Licensing – Avoid Scam Casinos.’
Casinoplusbonus Support: If you signed up for an online casino via our website and need support due to issues with your KYC checks, please contact us. We support any players who have used our affiliate recommendations to sign up and deposit to a casino platform.
Recommendation – Pass KYC Checks Before You Deposit
Before we get into the details of what is required from you to fufil an online casino’s KYC checks process, there is a tip we would like to share you. The title all but gives it away.
- For most online casinos it takes less than one minute to sign up.
- It only takes another minute or so to deposit to a casinos.
So far it all sounds too easy getting you money into the casino. However, what about when it comes to withdrawing?
Why pass KYC checks before you deposit?
You will find that most online casinos will ask you to pass a KYC check when you first make a withdrawal request. This means you have already made deposits to your casino balance and played real money games. Where things can start to get tricky with some casinos is when it comes to making that first withdrawal.
- If you fail the KYC check for any reason, your money is stuck in the casino.
Other issues you must be wary of:
- If you signed up for an online casino without licensing, you can probably kiss goodbye to your casino bankroll.
- There are online casinos out there that purposely make their KYC checks difficult to pass. They may even put a 2-week time limit on your ability to pass these checks before suspending your account.
- Some casinos will use failed KYC checks as an excuse to steal your winnings.
Getting help: If you are signed up to an online casino that operates under a licensing authority like MGA or Curacao, you can contact the authority’s player complaints or support team. In your complaint make it clear which reasons the casino provided as to why you failed the KYC check,
Compulsory KYC checks
KYC checks are compulsory at most online casinos, especially if the casino operates under a licensing authority. The authority expects online casinos operating under its framework to provide a list of signed-up members and the corresponding KYC documentation.
Information the KYC checks show the licensing authority includes:
- First and Last Name
- Age Verification (To prevent underage gambling)
- Residential Verification (Confirms you live in a country covered by the licensing authority)
The ID type required for KYC checks include:
- Government-issued photo ID: This can be a driving license or ID card. Other forms of identification accepted include passports and work permits.
- Utility Bills: To prove your residential address, you will need to show a valid gas or electric bill. If you are in the UK, you can show your council tax bill or official bank statement with your name and address. You should note that some casinos reject mobile phone bills.
Payment Details
Some KYC checks will also request that you show the front and back of your debit or credit card. This is a simple process.
- Scan your card or take a picture only partially showing the numbers on the card.
- When you take a picture of the back, you can cover the CVC code.
KYC Checks Requested Before Withdrawals
You be surprised to see the casino requesting a KYC check before you have attempted to make your first withdrawal. This will usually happen before you made a deposit over a certain threshold.
- Your accumulated deposits exceed a threshold (Usually around $2,000 or currency equivalent)
- Your total deposit exceeds a certain amount (Also this threshold is usually about $2,000)
High Rollers – Proof of Earnings
Proof of Earnings: Most countries and licensing authorities these days require that any company that receives $10,000 or more worth of payments will need to request proof of earnings. This is part of the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) policy.
More KYC Information: To find out more about how KYC checks work, read the FAQs section below.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
When am I required to fulfill an online casino’s KYC checks?
The norm for most online casinos is when it comes to making a withdrawal. The casino must then check that you are the same person and provide the same details as those accepted during registration. Sometimes, a casino will require a KYC check when you reach a certain level of deposit, like $2,000.
Where can I go through the KYC check process when I sign up?
Most online casinos will have a section under your user account profile. You can click the verification option and start the KYC process before depositing. If the casino does not have a KYC verification option under your account profile, look at the casino’s main T&Cs. You should find the KYC verification email address here.
What happens if a casino refuses to pass my KYC identity check?
If you have not yet made a deposit, then try other online casinos. If the casino is preventing you from withdrawing money and you know the KYC information you have sent is correct, then inform the casino that you will report them to the licensing authority. If the casino does not operate under a licensing authority, the chances are that your money is lost.
How can Casinoplusbonus help me with KYC verification issues?
If you signed up for an online casino using one of the affiliate links provided in our top list tables or via one of our casino or bonus reviews, then we can help. Please provide us your name and email address as a comment on this post or PM me on X (formerly Twitter). Also, provide the casino name and your username. We’ll check that an affiliate account has been opened under your name, and then from here, we can mediate with the casino on your behalf.
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