KYC and Verification

At Shikaka, the security and integrity of our platform are paramount. We are legally obligated to verify the identity of our players. This process, known as Know Your Customer, or KYC, helps us to prevent fraud, money laundering, and underage gambling. By confirming who you are, we create a safer and more transparent environment for everyone. This commitment protects both our players and the operational integrity of Shikaka, ensuring compliance with international regulations and responsible gaming practices.

KYC, or Know Your Customer, is a standard regulatory requirement for financial institutions and online gambling operators worldwide. It involves collecting and verifying personal information from our customers. The primary goal of KYC is to confirm that players are who they claim to be, to assess potential risks associated with their activities, and to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) laws. For Shikaka, this means maintaining a secure and trustworthy service for all our users.

Verification is an essential part of your journey with Shikaka. We typically initiate the verification process at several key stages:

• Upon Registration: We may request initial verification documents shortly after you create an account.
• Before Your First Withdrawal: To comply with AML regulations and protect your funds, we require full verification before processing any withdrawal requests.
• When Reaching Specific Deposit Thresholds: Regulatory requirements mandate additional checks once your cumulative deposits reach certain predefined limits.
• Following Changes to Account Information: If you update critical personal details, we may need to re-verify your identity.
• During Routine Security Reviews: Our security team conducts ongoing checks to maintain the safety of the platform.
• If Suspicious Activity Is Detected: Any unusual account activity will trigger an immediate verification request to protect your account.

To complete our verification procedures, Shikaka may request various documents. These documents help us confirm your identity, address, and the legitimacy of your payment methods. All documents must be valid, current, and clearly legible. We will provide secure methods for you to submit these documents.

To confirm your identity, we require a clear, colour copy of one of the following government-issued identification documents. The document must be valid and show your full name, date of birth, photograph, and signature.

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

The document must not be expired. Please ensure all four corners of the document are visible in the image and that no part of the document is obscured.

To verify your residential address, we require a document issued within the last three months that clearly displays your full name and current address. Please ensure the document is not older than 90 days from the date of issue.

• Utility Bill (e.g., electricity, water, gas, internet, landline telephone bill)
• Bank Statement or Credit Card Statement
• Government-Issued Correspondence (e.g., tax statement)

Mobile phone bills are generally not accepted. The document must be issued by a reputable third party and bear a date. We cannot accept screenshots of online statements, a PDF or a photograph of the physical document is required.

To ensure the security of your transactions and to comply with anti-money laundering regulations, we may need to verify the payment methods you use to deposit or withdraw funds at Shikaka. The specific requirements depend on the payment method:

• Credit/Debit Cards: A photograph of the front and back of the card. For security, please obscure the middle six digits of the 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 showing your full name and the associated email address or account ID.
• Bank Transfers: A copy of a recent bank statement (within the last three months) showing your full name, bank logo, account number, and recent transactions.

All payment methods must be registered in your own name. Third-party payments are strictly prohibited.

In certain circumstances, particularly when transactions involve significant sums, or if our risk assessment tools identify higher risk factors, Shikaka may be required to conduct Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD). This includes requesting information and documentation regarding your source of funds (SOF) or source of wealth (SOW). This is a regulatory obligation designed to prevent financial crime.

Examples of documents that may be requested include:

• Bank statements showing the origin of large deposits.
• Payslips or employment contracts.
• Proof of inheritance, property sale, or other significant financial events.

We understand that these requests are sensitive, and we handle all such information with the utmost confidentiality and in compliance with data protection laws.

Once you submit your documents, our dedicated verification team at Shikaka reviews them promptly. Our goal is to complete the verification process as quickly as possible. Typically, initial verification can take up to 24-48 hours. However, during peak times or if additional documents are required, this timeframe may be extended. We will notify you via email regarding the status of your verification and if any further information is needed. To avoid delays, please ensure all submitted documents are clear, valid, and meet the specified requirements.

Shikaka takes the security of your personal information very seriously. All documents and data you submit are handled in accordance with strict data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Your documents are stored securely on encrypted servers with restricted access. We employ robust technical and organisational measures to protect your data from unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. We will never share your personal documents with third parties except where legally required by our licensing authority or other regulatory bodies.

Shikaka operates under a strict anti-money laundering (AML) policy to deter and detect financial crime. Our KYC procedures are a fundamental part of this commitment. By verifying identities and monitoring transactions, we actively contribute to the global effort against money laundering and terrorist financing. We report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities, as required by law. This compliance ensures that Shikaka remains a safe and legitimate platform for all our players.

Underage gambling is strictly prohibited by law and is against Shikaka's responsible gaming policy. A crucial aspect of our verification process is to confirm that all our players are at least 18 years of age, or the legal age for gambling in their jurisdiction, whichever is higher. Our identity verification checks are designed to prevent minors from accessing our services. Any account found to belong to an underage individual will be immediately closed, and any funds or winnings will be forfeited. We are committed to protecting minors and promoting responsible gambling practices.

If your verification process is delayed, it usually means that the documents provided were unclear, expired, or did not meet our requirements. If verification is unsuccessful, we will contact you to explain why and provide guidance on what further steps you need to take. In some cases, if we are unable to verify your identity to the required standard, or if there are discrepancies that cannot be resolved, we may be forced to suspend or close your account. We will always communicate with you transparently throughout this process. Our aim is to resolve any issues efficiently to allow you to enjoy Shikaka.

If you have any questions about the KYC process, need assistance with submitting your documents, or require clarification on any part of our verification policy, our customer support team is here to help. You can reach us via:

• Live Chat: Available directly on the Shikaka website during operational hours.
• Email: Send your queries to our support address, and we will respond as soon as possible.

Please do not hesitate to contact us. We are committed to making your experience with Shikaka as smooth and secure as possible.