KYC and Verification

At Shikaka, the safety and security of our players are paramount. We are legally obligated to verify the identity of our customers. This process helps us to prevent fraud, money laundering, and underage gambling, ensuring a fair and secure environment for everyone. Identity verification is a standard practice across all regulated online gambling platforms and is a cornerstone of our commitment to responsible gaming and regulatory compliance.

KYC, or "Know Your Customer," refers to the mandatory process of identifying and verifying the identity of our clients. This involves collecting and reviewing certain personal documentation. The aim is to understand who our customers are and to assess potential risks associated with their activities. For Shikaka, KYC is not merely a formality, but a crucial part of our operational integrity and adherence to international anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.

Verification is typically required at several key stages during your interaction with Shikaka:

• Upon Registration: We may request initial verification details when you create your account.
• Before Your First Withdrawal: To comply with AML regulations and ensure funds are returned to the rightful owner, full verification is often required before your first withdrawal.
• When Reaching Certain Deposit or Withdrawal Thresholds: Our licensing authority mandates further checks once your cumulative deposits or withdrawals exceed specific amounts.
• If There Are Changes to Your Account Details: Updating personal information may trigger a re-verification request.
• During Periodic Reviews: We conduct ongoing reviews of customer accounts to maintain up-to-date information and comply with regulatory requirements.
• If Suspicious Activity Is Detected: Any unusual activity on your account will prompt immediate verification requests to protect your account and comply with our legal obligations.

To complete the verification process, you will generally be asked to provide copies of specific documents. These documents help us confirm your identity, age, and residential address. All documents must be valid, current, and clearly legible. We will provide secure methods for you to upload these documents.

To verify your identity, we require a clear, colour copy of one of the following official government-issued photo identification documents:

• Passport: The photo page, showing your full name, date of birth, photograph, signature, and expiry date.
• National Identity Card: Both the front and back of the card, clearly displaying your full name, date of birth, photograph, and expiry date.
• Driving Licence: Both the front and back of the licence, showing your full name, date of birth, photograph, and expiry date.

The document must be valid and not expired. All four corners of the document must be visible in the image.

To verify your residential address, we require a clear, colour copy of one of the following documents issued within the last three months:

• Utility Bill: Such as electricity, gas, water, internet, or landline telephone bill. Mobile phone bills are not accepted.
• Bank Statement: A statement from a recognised bank or financial institution.
• Credit Card Statement: A statement from a recognised credit card provider.
• Government-Issued Letter: An official letter from a government body, such as a tax statement.

The document must clearly show your full name, your current residential address, and a date of issue within the last three months. PO Box addresses are not accepted as proof of residence.

To ensure the security of your transactions and to comply with AML regulations, we may also require verification of your payment methods. This helps to confirm that the payment method used belongs to the registered account holder.

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

In certain circumstances, particularly when large transactions or unusual activity occurs, Shikaka is legally obliged to request information regarding your source of funds (SOF) or source of wealth (SOW). This forms part of our Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) procedures. This is not a reflection on you, but a necessary step to combat financial crime and protect our platform. Documents requested for SOF/SOW may include:

• Bank statements showing the origin of funds.
• Payslips or employment contracts.
• Tax returns.
• Proof of inheritance or sale of assets.

Any information provided will be treated with the strictest confidence and used solely for regulatory compliance purposes.

Once you submit your documents, our dedicated verification team will review them. We aim to process all verification requests as quickly as possible. Typically, the initial review takes between 24 to 72 hours, though this can vary depending on the volume of requests and the clarity of the documents provided. If further information or clearer copies are needed, we will contact you via your registered email address. You can monitor the status of your verification within your Shikaka account.

Shikaka takes the security and privacy of your personal data very seriously. All documents and information you provide are stored securely using advanced encryption technologies. We comply with stringent data protection regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Your data will only be accessed by authorised personnel for verification and regulatory compliance purposes and will not be shared with third parties, except where legally required by our licensing authority or law enforcement agencies. For more details, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Shikaka operates under strict anti-money laundering (AML) policies and procedures, as mandated by our licensing authority. Our KYC and verification processes are integral to these AML efforts. By verifying your identity and monitoring transactions, we actively work to prevent the use of our platform for illegal financial activities. This commitment protects both our players and the integrity of the financial system.

Underage gambling is strictly prohibited. Our verification process includes robust age verification checks to ensure that all our players are 18 years of age or older, or the legal age for gambling in their jurisdiction, whichever is higher. Any account found to belong to a minor will be immediately closed, and any winnings forfeited. We are committed to protecting minors and promoting responsible gambling practices.

Delays in verification can occur if the documents provided are unclear, expired, or do not meet our requirements. If your verification is unsuccessful, we will inform you of the reasons and guide you on what steps to take next. It is crucial to respond promptly to any requests for additional information to avoid suspension of your account or restrictions on withdrawals. In rare cases, if verification cannot be completed to our satisfaction, we may be forced to close your account.

If you have any questions about the KYC or verification process, or if you encounter any difficulties uploading your documents, our customer support team is available to assist you. You can reach us via live chat or email, as detailed on our 'Contact Us' page. Please provide your account username when contacting support to help us assist you more efficiently. We are here to ensure your verification process is as smooth and straightforward as possible.