When you play at an online casino, you will be asked to go through online casino verification. This is done to ensure that the casino is safe for both players and operators. The verification process usually involves providing some personal information, such as your name and address.
You may also be required to provide proof of identity, such as a driver’s license or passport. Once the casino has verified your details, you can play at the casino and withdraw your winnings without any problems. The best part, however, is that some online casinos will provide you with money to play with once you pass verification.
Watch our video on online casino verification here:
Here you can find providers that offer free credit after verification (May 2024):
Why do casinos need to verify your identity online?
When an online casino obtains a license from Switzerland, it undertakes to verify the identity of players. The operators of a gaming license must follow many strict rules. This way, the casino prevents players from signing up with fake data, playing anonymously or using online casinos for illegal transactions. This would, of course, make it difficult to engage in criminal activity.
Swiss gambling laws were developed to protect players, and casinos are required to follow these rules. Any casino that does not comply can have its license revoked.
So, if you are looking for a safe online gambling, you should choose a casino that is licensed in Switzerland. You can be sure that your personal information is protected and you will have a fair and responsible gaming experience. But why do online casinos need to verify the identity of their players?
Money laundering in Swiss online casinos
Money laundering is the concealment of the origin of money or other assets that have been acquired illegally. This is a serious problem in the online gambling industry, as criminals can use casinos and other gambling platforms to launder money obtained through illegal activities.
To prevent money laundering, casinos and other gambling operators must implement robust customer identity verification (KYC) procedures. These procedures help ensure that customers are who they say they are and that their money comes from legitimate sources.
Operators should also watch for suspicious activity, such as customers making large deposits or withdrawals for no apparent reason.
Through these measures, casinos and other gambling operators can protect themselves from money laundering and other criminal activities.
Terrorist financing in online casinos
Terrorist financing is the use of funds to support terrorist activities. Terrorists and their supporters can use online casinos to financially support terrorist organizations. Casinos must be aware of the risks of terrorist financing. And take measures to prevent the casino from being used for such activities.
Terrorist financing via online casinos can take many forms. For example, funds can be laundered through casino transactions. Or gambling activities can be used to generate income for terrorist organizations. Online casinos must have policies and procedures in place to prevent people from using their businesses to fund terrorism.
Politically exposed persons
A politically exposed person (→ PEP (Choo, K.-K. R, 2010)) is a person who has been entrusted with a prominent public function. Or known to have close relations with such a person. PEPs may be at increased risk of being involved in corruption and money laundering due to their position and influence.
Casinos need to be especially careful when dealing with PEPs. After all, they are more likely to be involved in money laundering or other criminal activities here.
When conducting customer due diligence, casinos should assess the level of risk posed by a PEP. And based on this, take appropriate measures to mitigate the risks. This may include enhanced due diligence, where additional steps are taken to verify the identity and source of funds of the customer.
Through these measures, casinos can protect themselves from PEPs who may be involved in criminal activity.
Many good reasons to verify the identities of players
As shown above, user verification – also known as “KYC” (Know Your Customer) – is a way for online casinos to verify the identity of their players. This helps prevent money laundering and other criminal activities. In conducting customer due diligence, casinos should assess the level of risk posed by a PEP. And, based on this, take appropriate measures to mitigate these risks. This may include enhanced due diligence; where additional steps are taken to verify the identity and origin of customers’ money. Through these measures, casinos can protect themselves from PEPs who may be involved in criminal activity.
How does verification work in Swiss online casinos?
The verification process at Swiss online casinos is usually quite simple and straightforward. In most cases, you will need to provide some basic personal information and documents to verify your account. This includes your name, address, date of birth and a copy of your ID card or passport. Once you have provided all the required information, the casino will usually complete the verification process within a few days.
These documents are required for identity verification at Swiss online casinos
As mentioned above, all online casinos in Switzerland require identity verification. In this way, the casino ensures the fairness of the games and protects the players. This means that after registering an account, you must provide a copy of an official ID within 30 days. If your address cannot be verified via the customer service center, you must also provide proof of address (e.g. a copy of a bill from your electricity, TV or Internet provider or a bank statement).
You can submit these documents either via the upload function in your customer account, by e-mail or by mail. Once the casino has verified your identity, you can play all the casino games offered on the site. So make sure you get verified in a timely manner.
As long as you have not yet verified your player account, you are subject to a limit of CHF 1,000 for transfers and winnings. This is stipulated in Art. 52 of the Ordinance on Money Games. If you do not submit the required documents for verification within 30 days, your account will be set inactive in accordance with Article 52 of the Ordinance on Money Games.
How you benefit from verification
As a player, verification offers you a number of benefits. Firstly, it ensures that the casino where you play is reputable and does not conduct illegal activities. This means that your payments and winnings are safe and cannot be misused.
Secondly, verification gives you control over all transactions made through your account. You can be sure that no one can access your money without your consent.
Finally, verification protects you from fraudsters who might try to use your personal information for identity theft or other malicious purposes. And it ensures that players who have had problems with gambling in the past cannot open new accounts and put themselves at risk.
In short, verification is a process that benefits both the casino and the players. It protects the casino from illegal activities. And it protects players from cheaters and gives them control over their player account.
Conclusion about online casino verification in Switzerland
The verification process at Swiss online casinos is simple and straightforward, and it benefits both the casino and the player. Verification ensures that all transactions are secure and verified. And that the player is who he claims to be. Because that’s how everyone involved protects themselves. So, if you are planning to play at an online casino in Switzerland, you should have your documents ready so that you can verify your account and enjoy a safe and fair game.
About the author: Alex Baumgartner
Hello! My name is Alex Baumgartner and I run the comparison portal Bestecasinosschweiz.ch.
I have been in the online gambling industry for many years and am the editor of the Gambling and Online Casino Compendium – a reference book on online casinos and gambling (ISBN: 9783744864473).
With over 10 years of experience in online gambling, I’ve seen almost everything before and am happy to pass this knowledge on to you.
My passion for online casinos is evident in my extensive testing, where I combine my enjoyment of the thrill of online casinos with my interest in sharing 100% objective experiences with you.