Online Casino Verification

Online casinos handle large amounts of transactions and have been booming since the global pandemic hit. As more users prefer to play games online, it’s important to confirm who they are and ensure that no minors enter these platforms. Additionally, like financial institutions, online casinos are a high-risk industry, making them susceptible to money laundering and scams and fraudulent activities, such as multi-accounting, chip dumping, etc. Online casino verification works as a first line of defense against fraud. 

The duration of the verification process can vary depending on the iGaming platform’s or casino’s procedures and the clarity of the documents provided. Some establishments offer instant or near-instant verification, especially when using automated systems. However, in cases where manual review is used, it might take up to 24 hours or more. 

For this reason, many online casinos opt for the automated approach and use third-party KYC vendors, such as iDenfy. That helps both comply and ensure that legitimate, age-appropriate players can access casino games without having to hire extra KYC staff or manually assess every ID document. 

The terms “online casino,” “iGaming,” and “gambling” are often used interchangeably, along with others like “gaming” and “sports betting” to describe the gambling sector. The main difference is that gaming involves a degree of skill, as in poker, while gambling relies entirely on chance, as with online casino games.

Yes, most jurisdictions have strict identity and age verification requirements for online casino sites. These legal requirements help protect players (for example, restrict problem gamblers and minors), prevent crimes (using dirty money for “cleaning”), and comply with legal requirements. Failure to do so can result in major fines or loss of the casino’s operating license. 

One of the key regulatory watchdogs, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), has updated its issued recommendations, focusing on stricter AML rules for online casinos, bookmakers, and similar businesses. To maintain compliance with these updated requirements, casinos and gambling operators must build AML programs to prevent suspicious players from entering their systems. The AML program has different measures and steps that online casinos take to prevent, detect, and report money laundering activities.

As part of the AML regulatory framework, online casinos must implement Know Your Customer (KYC) processes. They include the following measures:

• Verifying customer identities.
• Understanding customer relationships.
• Creating risk profiles.
• Monitoring transactions.
• Reporting suspicious activities.
• Establishing a strong AML program.

The Gambling Act 2005 is the primary UK legislation regulating all forms of gambling, including casinos, betting, and lotteries. Under the Act, allowing anyone under 18 to enter licensed gambling premises is illegal. Its main goals are to prevent minors from accessing gambling services and reduce crime while increasing transparency in the sector. To avoid underage gambling and potential regulatory fines, online casinos must require new players to submit official IDs for verification, which is in line with KYC requirements.

The legal age to sign up on an online casino site varies by country. However, the standard in most countries is 18 years old. For the US, various states require players to be 21. However, there are some exceptions. In Malta, the legal age of gambling for locals is 25. 

If you fail the verification process, the online casino may restrict access to your account, withhold withdrawals, or even suspend your account. It’s essential to provide accurate and clear documentation to avoid such issues. If you believe there was an error, contact the casino’s customer support for assistance.