KYC and Verification

At Shikaka, maintaining a safe, secure, and responsible gaming environment for all our players is paramount. Identity verification is a fundamental aspect of this commitment. By confirming your identity, we can prevent fraud, combat money laundering, ensure all players are of legal gambling age, and adhere to the strict regulatory requirements set by our licensing authority. This process protects both you and Shikaka, fostering a trustworthy platform where you can enjoy your gaming experience with peace of mind.

KYC, or Know Your Customer, refers to the mandatory process of identifying and verifying the identity of our customers. It is a critical component of anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) regulations that Shikaka, like all regulated online gambling operators, must comply with. KYC involves collecting and verifying certain personal information and documentation from our players. This is not merely a formality, it is a legal obligation designed to prevent illicit activities and ensure the integrity of financial transactions on our platform.

Verification may be required at several stages of your relationship with Shikaka. Typically, it is initiated:

• Upon registration of a new account.
• Before you make your first withdrawal.
• When your accumulated deposits or withdrawals reach a certain threshold.
• If there are changes to your personal information.
• If our internal monitoring systems detect unusual or suspicious activity on your account.
• Periodically, as part of our ongoing due diligence obligations, even if you have been verified previously.

We reserve the right to request verification at any time, at our sole discretion, to ensure compliance with our legal and regulatory obligations.

To complete the verification process, you may be asked to provide various documents. These are typically categorised into proof of identity, proof of address, and proof of payment method. All documents must be clear, legible, and current. We will specify exactly which documents are needed based on your individual circumstances and the requirements of our compliance checks.

To confirm your identity, we generally require a copy of one of the following government-issued photographic identification documents:

• A valid passport.
• A valid national identity card.
• A valid driving licence (front and back).

The document must clearly show your full name, date of birth, photograph, signature, and the expiry date. It must be valid and not expired. We may also require a "selfie" of you holding the identification document to confirm it belongs to you.

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

• A utility bill (e.g., electricity, water, gas, internet, landline telephone, but not mobile phone bills).
• A bank statement or credit card statement.
• A government-issued letter or tax statement.

The document must be dated and show the issuing authority's name. PO Box addresses are not acceptable as proof of residence.

To verify the ownership of your payment methods, we may request documentation specific to the method used for deposits or withdrawals. For example:

• Credit/Debit Cards: A copy of the front and back of the card. For security, please obscure the middle eight digits of the 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 remain visible.
• E-Wallets (e.g., PayPal, Skrill, Neteller): A screenshot of your account profile page showing your full name, email address, and account ID.
• Bank Transfers: A copy of a recent bank statement (within the last three months) showing your full name, account number, and bank logo.

This step ensures that funds are being deposited and withdrawn by the legitimate account holder, preventing unauthorised use and financial fraud.

In certain circumstances, particularly when transactions involve significant amounts, or if there are concerns about the origin of funds, Shikaka is legally obliged to request information and documentation regarding your Source of Funds (SOF) or Source of Wealth (SOW). This is part of our Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) procedures. Examples of documents that may be requested include:

• Bank statements showing the origin of funds.
• Payslips or employment contracts.
• Tax returns.
• Documentation relating to inheritance, property sales, or business profits.

We understand that this may seem intrusive, but these requests are made strictly to comply with anti-money laundering regulations and protect our platform from financial crime. All information provided is treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Once you submit your documents, our dedicated verification team will review them. We aim to process all verification requests as quickly as possible. Typically, basic verification (proof of identity and address) is completed within 24-48 hours, though this may vary depending on the volume of requests and the clarity of the documents provided. More complex cases, such as those requiring Source of Funds verification or enhanced due diligence, may take longer. You will be notified via email or through your Shikaka account when your verification status changes or if further information is required. Please ensure all submitted documents are clear, complete, and meet the specified requirements to avoid delays.

Shikaka takes the security and privacy of your personal information and documents very seriously. All documents you submit are stored securely in compliance with data protection regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). We employ advanced encryption technologies and strict access controls to protect your data from unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Your documents are used solely for the purpose of identity verification and compliance with our legal obligations. We do not share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.

Shikaka operates under a strict anti-money laundering (AML) policy designed to prevent our services from being used for illegal activities. Our KYC and verification procedures are central to this policy. We monitor transactions and account activity for patterns indicative of money laundering or terrorist financing. Any suspicious activity is reported to the relevant authorities, as required by law. By adhering to these stringent AML measures, Shikaka contributes to the global effort to combat financial crime and maintains a secure environment for all legitimate players.

Gambling by individuals under the legal age is strictly prohibited. As part of our commitment to responsible gaming, Shikaka implements robust age verification procedures. Our verification process confirms that all players are 18 years of age or older, or the legal age for gambling in their jurisdiction, whichever is higher. We may use third-party age verification services in addition to requesting identification documents. Any account found to belong to a minor will be immediately closed, and any winnings forfeited. We encourage parents and guardians to use filtering software to prevent minors from accessing gambling websites.

If your verification is delayed, it usually means the documents provided were unclear, incomplete, or did not meet our requirements. We will contact you to request new or additional documentation. If verification is ultimately unsuccessful, for example, if we cannot confirm your identity or if you fail to provide the necessary documents, we may be unable to open or maintain your account. This could lead to restrictions on deposits, withdrawals, or even the permanent closure of your Shikaka account. We will always communicate the reasons for any such decision, where legally permissible.

If you have any questions about the KYC process, require assistance with uploading documents, or need clarification on any aspect of our verification policy, our customer support team is available to help. You can contact us via live chat or email. We are here to guide you through the process and ensure a smooth and efficient verification experience at Shikaka.