KYC and Verification

At Shikaka, we are committed to providing a safe, secure, and responsible gaming environment for all our players. Verifying your identity is a fundamental step in achieving this commitment. It allows us to comply with stringent regulatory requirements set by our licensing authority, prevent fraud, combat money laundering, and ensure that only eligible individuals participate in our games. This process protects both you, the player, and Shikaka as a licensed operator, fostering trust and transparency.

KYC, or "Know Your Customer," refers to the mandatory process of identifying and verifying the identity of our customers. This is a standard practice across regulated financial services and online gaming industries worldwide. For Shikaka, KYC involves collecting and confirming specific personal information and documentation from you. It is designed to ensure we know who our players are, understand their financial activities on our platform, and mitigate risks associated with illegal activities.

Verification is an ongoing process that may be initiated at several points during your relationship with Shikaka:

• Upon Registration: Basic verification checks are often performed when you first create an account.
• Before Your First Withdrawal: To comply with anti-money laundering regulations, full identity verification is typically required before you can make your first withdrawal, regardless of the amount.
• When Reaching Specific Thresholds: Our licensing authority mandates verification once deposits, withdrawals, or wagering activity reach certain cumulative monetary thresholds.
• Changes to Account Information: If you update significant personal details, we may require re-verification.
• Suspicious Activity: If our security systems detect any unusual or suspicious activity on your account, we will initiate a verification request.
• Periodic Reviews: We conduct periodic reviews of customer information to ensure it remains accurate and up-to-date.

To complete the verification process, Shikaka may request various documents. These documents help us confirm your identity, address, and the legitimacy of your payment methods. All documents must be clear, valid, and show all relevant details without obstruction. We will inform you specifically which documents are needed based on your individual circumstances.

To confirm your identity, we require a clear, colour copy of one of the following government-issued identification documents. The document must be valid, not expired, and show your full name, date of birth, photograph, and signature:

• Passport (photo page)
• National Identity Card (front and back)
• Driving Licence (front and back)

Please ensure all four corners of the document are visible and that the image is not blurry or cut off.

To verify your residential address, we require a clear, colour copy of a document issued within the last three months that displays your full name and current residential address. Acceptable documents include:

• Utility bill (electricity, gas, water, internet, landline telephone)
• Bank statement or credit card statement
• Government-issued tax statement or letter
• Council tax bill

Mobile phone bills are generally not accepted as proof of address. The document must be dated within the last 90 days.

Depending on the payment methods you use to deposit or withdraw funds, Shikaka may require verification of ownership. This is to ensure that the payment method belongs to the registered account holder and to prevent unauthorised use. Examples include:

• Credit/Debit Cards: A clear photo of the front and back of the card. For security, please obscure the middle six digits of the long card number on the front and the CVV/CVC code on the back. Your name, the first six, and the last four digits of the card number, and the expiry date must be visible.
• E-wallets (e.g., Skrill, Neteller, PayPal): A screenshot of your e-wallet account page clearly showing your name and the associated email address or account ID.
• Bank Transfers: A copy of a bank statement or a screenshot from your online banking portal showing your name, account number, and the bank's logo.

In certain circumstances, particularly for higher value transactions or if required by our regulatory obligations, Shikaka may need to establish the source of funds (SOF) used for your gambling activities. This is part of our enhanced due diligence (EDD) procedures to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. We may request documents that demonstrate how you obtained the funds you are using, such as:

• Bank statements showing salary or other income
• Payslips
• Proof of inheritance
• Sale of property documentation
• Investment statements

Any request for SOF documentation will be handled with the utmost discretion and confidentiality, in compliance with data protection laws.

Once you submit your documents, our dedicated verification team will review them. We aim to process all verification requests as quickly as possible. Typically, verification is completed within 24 to 48 hours, provided all submitted documents are clear, valid, and meet our requirements. You will be notified via email once your account verification is complete or if further information is needed. During peak times, or if complex issues arise, processing times may be slightly longer.

Shikaka employs robust security measures to protect your personal information and submitted documents. All data is encrypted and stored securely in accordance with our Privacy Policy and relevant data protection regulations, including GDPR. Access to your documents is strictly limited to authorised personnel who require it to perform their duties. We do not share your information with third parties unless legally required or explicitly permitted by you.

As a regulated online casino, Shikaka is legally obligated to comply with strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws and regulations. The KYC process is a critical component of our AML framework. By verifying your identity and, where necessary, your source of funds, we contribute to global efforts to prevent financial crime, including money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Our commitment to AML compliance ensures the integrity of our platform and the broader financial system.

Gambling by individuals under the legal age is strictly prohibited. Age verification is an essential part of our KYC process. By verifying your date of birth through official identification documents, Shikaka ensures that only individuals aged 18 or older (or the legal age in your jurisdiction, if higher) can access and use our services. We are dedicated to protecting minors and promoting responsible gaming practices.

If your verification is delayed, it may be due to documents being unclear, expired, or not meeting the specified requirements. We will contact you to request new or additional documentation. If verification is ultimately unsuccessful, and we are unable to confirm your identity or comply with our regulatory obligations, we may be required to suspend or close your account. In such cases, any remaining balance may be subject to review and potential forfeiture, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions and legal obligations.

Should you have any questions about the KYC and verification process, or if you need assistance with submitting your documents, our customer support team is available to help. You can reach us via live chat or email. We are here to guide you through each step and ensure a smooth verification experience at Shikaka.