Verification Documents Explained
Online gambling platforms can require a range of identification documents to verify a customer's identity, and this process is a compulsory part of the operator's licence obligations. These documents - including identity, address, payment and financial security checks - must be uploaded and processed before any funds can be released. Not understanding what each document does can delay withdrawals or even block access to a player's balance.
Why KYC is compulsory
Casino KYC, which stands for "Know Your Customer", is not a negotiable extra but an essential part of anti-money-laundering regulation worldwide,
In Japan, gambling operators must check a customer's identity as a licence condition, and this includes verifying their name, address and date of birth. In practice, they will specify required documents, including: passports, driving licenses, My Number Cards, and residence cards.
- Example 1
Identity Documents
The identity check could be the first document request a player encounters. It establishes not only that the customer is who they say they are, but also that they meet the minimum age requirement to using the website or app.
Operators may ask for: - a current passport - a current driver's license - the My Number card issued to Japanese citizens - or a foreign resident's card
For clarity, some operators will only ask you to reveal and scan an identification number when uploading. [TO 确 认：翻译的是 “a primary-source Japanese gambling regulation or company policy saying that the My Number card's number can be masked even when used for initial identity verification. -明鲁-22】
Address Documents
A proof-of-address requirement is often next, with operators needing to check that the billing details given match the customer's real mailing location.
A recent bank statement or utility bill like electricity or utility bill is usually acceptable, and the document must not be too old to rely on. In general, you will need a document dated within the last three months - a rule aimed at preventing fraud.
Payment Documents
The next type of proof may be a "proof of payment". This is an attempt to check card or bank details. It typically involves a masked photo of a credit or debit card, or a bank statement:
Operators may ask to see: ^ These documents prove that the credit cards or bank accounts used for depositing and withdrawing are in the customer's name. These personal details can unlock or lock casino accounts, so a photo of a payment card should always be masked, with all card-holder numbers blacked out.
Source of Funds Documents
The final category catches further personal financial details, with operators asking to check where a customer's gambling money is coming from.
If gambling activity is of a higher volume or a more unusual pattern, a platform may ask to verify gambling funds so as to prevent money laundering or higher risk activity. These requests could be triggered by the size of individual deposits and withdrawals, the time between each one or the two combined.
The final category
The type of financial documents needed will reflect the source of funds being verified; salaries, self-employment income, business accounts or asset sales will all have their own trail in bank statements, financial statements or actual receipts.
Why the first withdrawal may be delayed
KYC is a requirement under the gambling operator's licence, so it cannot be refused or easily delayed. If a player disagrees, they have to engage with customer service.
However, the process typically begins when the first withdrawal is requested after account creation and deposit . Only then, a series of checks will commence.
These checks can freeze an account, stopping withdrawal, until the documents are approved. Operators generally follow the order of proof name, proof residence, proof payment, and proof income, .
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