18+ Responsible gambling

Casino verification (KYC): documents, process & duration

What Swiss and foreign online casinos require when verifying your identity and how to pass verification on the first try.

Laura Steiner Laura Steiner Editor-in-chief

Scored on terms, not on the headline bonus

The score comes from wagering rules, withdrawals, verification and licence – not from the biggest advertised percentage.

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Note: this is the English version of our Swiss guide. Amounts in CHF and references to TWINT, the ESBK (Swiss gaming regulator) or Swiss tax apply to Switzerland. What is allowed depends on where you live, so check your local regulator. We have not confirmed a local licence for any operator named here, and none of them lists Russia. Overview: online casinos compared.
Briefly explained: Identification is required by law at Swiss online casinos. Without it, you can deposit up to CHF 1,000 for a maximum of one month and not withdraw any winnings. Foreign casinos usually check at the latest when making the first payout. If you verify immediately after registering, you will save days later.

What Swiss law requires

The Gambling Act (BGS) and the Gambling Ordinance (VGS) set clear rules for online casinos with an ESBK license:

  • Who is allowed to open an account: adults who are resident or habitually resident in Switzerland and who are not blocked.
  • Minimum information: Last name, first name, date of birth and residential address.
  • Proof of identity: Copy of an official ID, the E-ID or an equivalent, approved procedure.
  • Provisional account: The identity must be confirmed within one month at the latest. Until then, deposits are limited to CHF 1,000 and winnings will not be paid out.
  • Payout only to you: Winnings go exclusively to a payment account that is in your name. Only one player account is permitted per person.
  • Game ban: Every account opening is checked against the common ban register of the Swiss casinos.

Foreign casinos verify according to the money laundering rules of their licensed country (e.g. Malta or Curaçao). This often only happens with the first payout or from certain amounts. At that point at the latest, they usually ask for ID and proof of address.

These documents are required

documentWhat is acceptedWhen
Official IDIdentity card, passport or foreigner's ID card, valid, all four corners visibleAlways
Proof of addressBill (electricity, telephone), bank statement or confirmation of residence, not older than 3 monthsOften, especially abroad
Proof of paymentPhoto of the card (only first 6 and last 4 digits visible), screenshot of the e-wallet or bank statementFor cards/e-wallets
Selfie / Video IdentSelfie with ID or live video for facial verificationDepending on the provider
Source of fundsWage statements, bank statements, tax returnsWith high deposits or withdrawals

The most commonly requested items are ID and proof of address. Proof of address is usually an electricity, internet or telephone bill or a bank statement on which the name and home address are fully visible. Mobile phone contracts without an address, screenshots from banking apps without a name or documents that are older than three months are often rejected. Proof of payment is about showing that the card, wallet or account belongs to you. For cards, cover the middle digits and security code; the casino doesn't need them.

Verification step by step

  1. Capture data correctly

    Enter your name and address exactly as they appear on your ID and invoice.

  2. Open the “Verification” area

    Usually under “Account”, “Profile” or “Documents”.

  3. Upload your ID or start Online Ident

    Front and back, sharp, no reflection, all corners visible.

  4. Additional evidence

    Proof of address and payment if requested.

  5. Wait for confirmation

    Check status in account. If you have any questions via email, only respond via the customer account.

Screenshot: Verification area in the customer account/img/offers/offer-1/kyc.webp
Upload area for documents at a partner casino (placeholder).
Screenshot: Confirmation «Account verified»/img/offers/offer-1/kyc-ok.webp
Status display after a successful check at a partner casino (placeholder).

The best time for verification is immediately after registration, before you deposit a large amount. Then you will know early on whether the casino accepts your documents and the first payout will not wait for an audit. According to the terms and conditions of our partner casinos, verification is due at the latest before the first payout; Spininio requires it at the latest for withdrawals of around €1,000, and IRIS can also request it in the event of conspicuous activity. Details can be found in the respective test report.

Your KYC checklist

Check off what you have prepared. The list is only saved in your browser.

How long does verification take?

ProceedingsTypical duration
Automatic online identificationa few minutes
Manual review of uploaded documents24 hours to 3 business days
Proof of source of fundsseveral days

While the audit is ongoing, most casinos are withholding payouts. This is not a sign of a dubious offer, but rather an obligation under the money laundering rules: Payment can only be made once it is clear who is running the account and where the money comes from. It usually takes longer if documents have to be submitted later, if the name or address does not match exactly or if processing falls on a weekend. After three working days without a response, ask support what documents are still missing.

Casino without verification: what’s behind it?

Offers with “no verification” or “no KYC” come exclusively from foreign providers without a Swiss license, often from the crypto sector. In fact, little is required when registering. However, most providers reserve the right in their terms and conditions to request documents at any time in the event of higher payouts or suspicion. The payout can be blocked exactly when a larger win is due. In addition, there is a lack of player protection, no Swiss complaints office and taxable winnings. Our recommendation: Expect verification at every casino and do it early. You can read more about the risks at Online Casino Abroad.

Tips against rejected documents

This is how it works

  • Place the document on a dark surface and use daylight
  • Photograph the entire page including the machine-readable zone
  • Upload current invoice in PDF original

Common mistakes

  • Expired ID or cut corners
  • Edited or highly compressed images
  • Another person's means of payment

Frequently asked questions about verification

Why do I have to verify myself in the online casino?

Casinos are legally obliged to check the identity of their customers (“Know Your Customer”). This excludes minors, identifies blocked people, prevents money laundering and ensures payouts go to the right person. In Switzerland this is regulated by the Gambling Ordinance (VGS).

How long does verification take?

Automated checks using online identification often only take a few minutes. When manually checking uploaded documents, 24 hours to 3 business days are usual. Proof of the origin of the funds may take longer.

Can I play in Switzerland without verification?

Only limited. At casinos with an ESBK license, you are allowed to deposit with a provisional account for a maximum of one month and up to a maximum of CHF 1,000. Winnings will only be paid out after successful identification.

Which documents do I need?

Almost always a valid official ID (identity card, passport or foreigner ID card). Depending on the provider, you will also need proof of address, proof of payment method and a selfie. For large amounts, proof of the source of the funds may be required.

What to do if my documents are rejected?

Let us tell you the reason. Most of the time the photo is blurry, cropped, the document has expired, or the name or address does not match the account. Then upload a new, complete photo in good light.

Can the casino ask for documents again after the first check?

Yes. Many casinos reserve the right to request proof again in the event of high payouts, a new payment method, a change of address or suspicious activity, such as the origin of the funds. Payouts may be withheld until this review is completed. Therefore, keep your account details up to date.

Is my data safe at the casino?

Licensed providers must transmit data in encrypted form and store it in accordance with data protection regulations. Only upload documents to the logged in customer account, never via email or chat link, and cover the middle digits and the CVV code on card photos.