Why We Verify Your Identity
Shikaka operates under strict regulatory requirements that mandate identity verification for all players. This process protects you from fraud, prevents unauthorized access to your account, and ensures we maintain a secure gaming environment. Identity verification also helps us comply with anti-money laundering laws and responsible gambling regulations that require us to know who our customers are and monitor their gaming activity.
Verification builds trust between you and Shikaka while protecting the integrity of our platform. Without proper identity checks, we cannot guarantee the security of withdrawals, prevent underage gambling, or fulfill our legal obligations to regulatory authorities.
What KYC (Know Your Customer) Means
KYC refers to the regulatory process that requires licensed gambling operators to verify customer identities, assess risk levels, and monitor ongoing activity. This standard applies across the financial services and gambling industries worldwide.
For Shikaka, KYC involves collecting and verifying personal information, checking documents against official databases, and maintaining records as required by our licensing authority. The process helps us identify suspicious activity, prevent money laundering, and ensure compliance with local gambling laws in your jurisdiction.
When Verification Is Required
We may request verification documents at several points during your relationship with Shikaka:
- When you register a new account
- Before processing your first withdrawal
- When you deposit or withdraw amounts above certain thresholds
- If we detect unusual account activity or betting patterns
- When required by our licensing authority or local regulations
- As part of routine compliance reviews
Some verification steps happen automatically during registration, while others may be triggered by specific activities or random compliance checks.
Documents You May Be Asked to Provide
The specific documents we request depend on your location, the verification level required, and your account activity. Common requirements include government-issued identification, proof of address, and payment method verification. Higher-risk transactions may require additional documentation such as source of funds evidence or enhanced due diligence materials.
All documents must be current, clearly legible, and show your full name exactly as it appears on your Shikaka account. We accept digital photos or scans, but the entire document must be visible with all four corners showing.
Proof of Identity
We accept several forms of government-issued photo identification:
- Passport (any nationality, provided it remains valid)
- National identity card
- Driver's license
- Military identification card
The document must clearly show your photograph, full name, date of birth, and expiration date. Temporary or provisional licenses are not acceptable. If your identification document does not include an expiration date, we may request additional verification.
Proof of Address
Address verification confirms your current residential location using documents issued within the last three months:
- Utility bills (electricity, gas, water, internet, or phone)
- Bank or credit card statements
- Government correspondence or tax documents
- Insurance statements
- Tenancy agreements or mortgage statements
The document must show your full name and complete address matching your account registration details. Mobile phone bills and screenshots are not accepted for address verification.
Payment Method Verification
We verify all payment methods used for deposits or withdrawals to prevent fraud and ensure funds return to the legitimate account holder. For credit or debit cards, provide a clear image showing the first six and last four digits, your name, and expiration date. Cover the middle digits and CVV code for security.
Bank account verification requires a statement or document showing your name, account number, and bank details. Digital wallet verification may require screenshots showing your name and account information from the payment provider's platform.
Source of Funds and Enhanced Due Diligence
Regulatory requirements may require us to verify the source of funds used for gambling, particularly for large transactions or when account activity suggests higher risk. Source of funds documentation might include employment contracts, business ownership documents, investment statements, inheritance documentation, or loan agreements.
Enhanced due diligence applies to politically exposed persons, high-net-worth individuals, or customers from higher-risk jurisdictions. This process involves additional background checks and ongoing monitoring as required by anti-money laundering regulations.
The Verification Process and Timeframes
Most verification requests are processed within 24 to 72 hours during business days. Complex cases requiring manual review or additional documentation may take longer. We will notify you via email when verification is complete or if we need additional information.
During verification, certain account functions may be restricted, including withdrawals or deposits above specified limits. You can continue playing with existing account balances while verification is pending, subject to any regulatory restrictions.
Keeping Your Documents Safe
Shikaka employs industry-standard encryption and security measures to protect your personal information and documents. We store verification documents in secure, access-controlled systems and retain them only as long as required by regulatory obligations.
Your documents are never shared with third parties except when required by law enforcement, regulatory authorities, or our licensing jurisdiction. We regularly review and update our data protection practices to maintain the highest security standards.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance
Our verification procedures form part of comprehensive anti-money laundering controls required by gambling regulations. We monitor transactions for suspicious patterns, report unusual activity to relevant authorities, and maintain detailed records of customer due diligence.
These measures protect both Shikaka and our customers from involvement in financial crime while ensuring compliance with international anti-money laundering standards.
Age Verification and Protecting Minors
Strict age verification prevents underage gambling and protects minors from accessing our services. We verify that all customers meet the minimum legal gambling age in their jurisdiction before allowing real money play.
Age verification occurs during the registration process and may be repeated if we have any doubts about a customer's age. Accounts found to belong to minors are immediately suspended, and any funds are returned according to regulatory requirements.
If Verification Is Delayed or Unsuccessful
If we cannot verify your identity using the provided documents, we will explain what additional information is needed. Common issues include expired documents, poor image quality, or mismatched personal details.
Customers who cannot complete verification may have their accounts restricted or closed in accordance with regulatory requirements. In such cases, we will return any remaining account balance through the original deposit method where possible.
Getting Help and Support
Our customer support team can assist with verification questions and guide you through the document submission process. Contact us through live chat, email, or phone for help with specific verification requirements or if you encounter technical difficulties uploading documents.
For complex verification cases or appeals, our compliance team will work with you to find acceptable solutions while meeting all regulatory requirements.