The so-called KYC procedure is a Verification process that players at online casinos usually have to go through at the latest when making their first withdrawal. The abbreviation "KYC" stands for "Know Your Customer", which means "know your customer". In order to verify their identity with the online gambling Provider, users usually have to take a photo of their valid identification document. Optionally, some online casinos require additional proof such as a utility bill to ensure that the Player is indeed the person who has also registered with the provider.
In most cases, new customers do not have to prove their identity with an identification document during registration or when making their first deposit. The verification process usually only starts when the player wants to request his first withdrawal. In order to avoid any problems with a later withdrawal, the player should definitely register with his complete personal data already during the registration process. It is important to ensure that the full name, date of birth and residential address are entered correctly. Should a player then request a withdrawal in the further course, he will be asked to upload personal documents online or send them to the Online Casino by e-mail. There is usually a separate e-mail address for this purpose (e.g. kyc(ät)casinoname.de). Until the verification process is completed, it can sometimes take a few business days. Players should also be prepared for minor inquiries and be prepared to provide further proof.
Which documents are accepted in the KYC process?
Important: It is usually required that all four corners of the respective document are visible. Furthermore, the scan or photo must be in color and clearly legible. In addition, it is generally not permitted to make certain information on the ID copy unrecognizable.
The KYC procedure is used to meet requirements under money laundering law. This means that you want to avoid that funds originating from illegal sources (e.g. narcotics or weapons trafficking) are laundered in the online casino. For this very reason, the licensing authorities and the providers want to know who they are dealing with and where the funds in question come from, if any.
As a rule, such a verification process is required by the respective licensor in order to obtain a gambling license in the first place. The best-known EU gambling authority, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), requires its licensees to implement the KYC process without exception if certain transaction amounts are exceeded. This improves security for all players and for the provider itself.