KYC and Verification

At Shikaka, we are committed to providing a secure and responsible gaming environment for all our players. Verifying your identity is a fundamental part of this commitment. It allows us to comply with stringent regulatory requirements, prevent fraud, and ensure that our platform is used fairly and legally. This process protects both you and Shikaka from potential misuse, fostering a trustworthy and transparent gaming experience.

KYC, or "Know Your Customer," refers to the mandatory process of identifying and verifying the identity of our customers. This is a standard practice across regulated financial services and online gaming industries worldwide. For Shikaka, KYC involves collecting and confirming specific personal information to establish who you are. This helps us to detect and deter illegal activities such as money laundering, terrorist financing, and identity theft, ensuring the integrity of our operations.

Verification is an ongoing process that may be initiated at several points during your relationship with Shikaka. Typically, initial verification is required upon registration or before your first withdrawal. However, we may request further verification at any time, especially if there are changes to your account details, significant transactions occur, or if our monitoring systems flag unusual activity. We also conduct periodic reviews to ensure the information we hold remains accurate and up-to-date, in line with our regulatory obligations.

To complete our verification checks, we may request various documents. These documents help us confirm your identity, address, and the legitimacy of your payment methods. The specific documents required can vary based on your jurisdiction and the nature of the verification needed. We will always inform you clearly about the documents we need and how to submit them securely.

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

• Passport: The personal details page.
• National ID Card: Both the front and back of the card.
• Driving Licence: Both the front and back of the licence.

The document must be issued by an official authority and clearly legible. We may ask for additional identity documents if the initial submission is unclear or raises further questions.

To confirm your residential address, we typically require a recent document, issued within the last three months, that clearly shows your full name and current residential address. Acceptable documents include:

• Utility Bill: Such as electricity, gas, water, or internet bill (mobile phone bills are generally not accepted).
• Bank Statement: A statement from a recognised financial institution.
• Government-Issued Correspondence: For example, a tax statement or official letter.

The document must be dated within the specified timeframe and clearly display the issuing authority's details. PO box addresses are not accepted for proof of address.

To ensure the security and legitimacy of transactions, we may ask you to verify the payment methods used on your Shikaka account. This helps prevent unauthorised use and fraud. The specific requirements depend on the payment method:

• Credit/Debit Cards: We may request a copy of the front of the card, showing the first six and last four digits of the card number, your name, and the expiry date. For security, please obscure the middle eight digits and the CVV/CVC code on the back.
• E-Wallets (e.g., Skrill, Neteller): We may require a screenshot of your e-wallet account profile page, clearly showing your name and the email address associated with the account.
• Bank Transfers: A copy of a bank statement or an online banking screenshot showing your name, account number, and the bank's logo.

All details must match the name registered on your Shikaka account.

In certain circumstances, particularly for larger transactions or if required by our licensing authority, Shikaka may need to verify the source of funds (SOF) or source of wealth (SOW) used for your gaming activities. This is part of our enhanced due diligence procedures to combat money laundering. We may request documents such as:

• Bank statements showing the origin of funds.
• Payslips or employment contracts.
• Proof of inheritance or property sale.
• Audited accounts or business ownership documents.

Any request for SOF/SOW documentation will be handled with the utmost discretion and in strict compliance with data protection regulations. We understand this is a sensitive area and appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a secure financial environment.

Once you submit your documents, our dedicated verification team will review them. We aim to process all verification requests as quickly as possible. Typically, initial document reviews are completed within 24-48 hours. However, during peak times or if additional information is required, this timeframe may be extended. We will notify you via email or through your Shikaka account messaging system about the status of your verification. Please ensure that all submitted documents are clear, complete, and meet the specified requirements to avoid delays.

Shikaka takes the security of your personal information very seriously. All documents and data you provide are stored securely using advanced encryption technologies and strict access controls, in compliance with GDPR and other relevant data protection laws. Your information is only accessible to authorised personnel involved in the verification process and is never shared with third parties for marketing purposes. We retain your documents for the period required by law and our licensing obligations, after which they are securely disposed of.

As a regulated online gaming operator, Shikaka is legally obligated to comply with stringent Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws and regulations. Our KYC and verification procedures are a critical component of our AML framework. By verifying customer identities and monitoring transactions, we actively work to prevent our platform from being used for illicit financial activities. We report any suspicious transactions or activities to the relevant authorities, as required by law. Your cooperation in our verification processes is essential to maintaining a compliant and legitimate gaming service.

Shikaka is strictly committed to preventing underage gambling. Our services are only available to individuals who are 18 years of age or older, or the legal age of majority in their respective jurisdiction, whichever is higher. Age verification is an integral part of our KYC process. We use the documents you provide to confirm your age, and we may employ additional third-party age verification tools. Any attempt by a minor to register or gamble on Shikaka will result in the immediate closure of the account and forfeiture of any winnings. We strongly advise parents and guardians to monitor internet usage and utilise parental control software to prevent minors from accessing gambling sites.

If your verification is delayed, it usually means we require further information or clarification regarding the documents submitted. We will contact you with specific details on what is needed. If verification is unsuccessful, it could be due to several reasons, such as documents being invalid, expired, or not matching the information provided during registration. In such cases, your account may be restricted, or certain functionalities, like withdrawals, may be temporarily suspended until verification is successfully completed. We will always communicate the reasons for unsuccessful verification and guide you on the steps to resolve the issue.

Should you have any questions or require assistance with the KYC and verification process, our dedicated customer support team is here to help. You can reach us via:

• Live Chat: Available directly on the Shikaka website for immediate assistance.
• Email: Send your queries to our support email address, and we will respond promptly.

Please do not hesitate to contact us. We understand that verification can sometimes seem complex, and we are committed to making the process as smooth and straightforward as possible for all Shikaka players.