Quick answer
Bookmakers verify accounts (often called KYC, "know your customer") to confirm your age and identity and to prevent fraud. Problems usually come from unclear photos, expired or cropped documents, names that do not match the account or payment method, or details entered wrongly at registration.
On this page
Why verification exists
Licensed bookmakers must check that customers are adults and are who they say they are. Verification also protects you: it makes it harder for someone else to withdraw your money. It is often called KYC ("know your customer").
Many bookmakers let you deposit and bet before verifying, but ask for documents before your first withdrawal or before withdrawals above a certain amount. For example, the terms of one Zimbabwean bookmaker we checked require a Zimbabwe-issued ID and proof of residence for withdrawals over $2,000.
Documents usually requested
Requirements differ, but common requests are:
- Proof of identity: national ID card, passport or driver's licence
- Proof of address: a recent utility bill, bank statement or similar letter showing your name and address
- Proof of payment method: a screenshot showing that the mobile wallet or bank account is yours
- Sometimes a selfie holding your ID
The most common problems
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Photo is blurry, dark or has glare | Retake in daylight, flat on a table, no flash, all text readable |
| Part of the document is cut off | Show all four corners |
| Document has expired | Use a valid document |
| Name on the account differs from the ID | Contact support to correct the account name; do not open a new account |
| Date of birth entered wrongly at sign-up | Ask support to correct it, with your ID as proof |
| Payment wallet is in someone else's name | Use a wallet registered in your own name |
| Proof of address is too old or not in your name | Provide a recent document in your name, or ask support what alternatives they accept |
| File too large or wrong format | Use a JPG or PDF under the size limit shown on the upload page |
Step-by-step
- Find the verification or "documents" section in your account (often under My account → Verification or similar).
- Read the list of accepted documents and file sizes.
- Take clear photos and upload them.
- Wait for the review. Check your messages or email.
- If it is rejected, read the reason, fix it and upload again. If no reason is given, ask support.
Our general account verification guide walks through this in more detail.
Summary
Verify early, use clear and valid documents in your own name, and make sure your account details and payment method match your ID. If something is rejected, ask the bookmaker exactly what it needs.