If you frequently use cricket betting apps, you've surely come across the KYC requirements. Many new players from India are scratching their heads over it and wondering why they should verify their accounts. In reality, this process is mostly the same as verifying your ID before you claim your winnings from land-based betting shops.
Online cricket sportsbooks are legally obliged to use the KYC process to verify their users' accounts. While many don't like it, it's important to understand why the process is required.
What is the KYC procedure?
The KYC procedure stands short for Know Your Customer. It's a verification procedure and a legal obligation of licensed and trusted cricket betting apps in India. The KYC process requires sending personal documents that the application operator needs to verify.
Those documents usually include:
- A colour copy of your ID or passport
- Utility bill that's not older than 6 months
- Proof that you own the payment method you're using
As soon as you send these documents, the betting app's team will verify them – it usually takes 24 hours.
Why cricket betting apps require KYC from clients?
All reputable cricket betting apps ask their Indian bettors to verify their accounts. This isn't like the email verification after signing up – that's just a confirmation of your new account. With the KYC process, a cricket betting app ensures you are who you say you are and validates the personal information you entered on sign-up.
This is done for a number of reasons, including:
- Anti-money laundering risks: all trusted cricket betting apps in India must operate under strict AML rules. The KYC process is one way to fight money laundering since you can only withdraw money after completing it.
- Fewer fake profiles: by verifying the accounts of its bettors, cricket betting apps ensure there are no fake profiles. Some might still sign up, but they rarely pass the KYC check.
- Keep minors from betting: since you must confirm your birth date via the KYC check, it prevents minors from betting. Underage gambling is a big problem everywhere, and betting apps do their best to keep minors off their platforms in this way.
- Due diligence: all cricket betting operators must do their best to prevent any offence at their apps. This is a major reason why they require passing the KYC check.
- Promoting responsible gambling: with the KYC check, cricket sportsbooks ensure that you'll bet responsibly. This is done by confirming your age and identity.
Passing KYC in your chosen betting app
Passing the KYC process in your chosen Indian betting app is easy. Most apps have a dedicated section where you can upload the documents securely and finish the process quickly.
We'll cover the process in full in the paragraphs below so you have a better understanding of what needs to be done.
- Step 1. Account registration. Choose a best cricket betting app you have your eye on and proceed to sign up and download it. Verify your account via email – once again, we stress that this isn't the same as KYC verification.
- Step 2. Document verification. Once you're verified, you can proceed to finish the KYC process. It's best to do so after signing up. Check your profile for a KYC tab that will tell you what documents you'll need to send.
- Step 3. Proof of address. The first document you should send to the cricket betting app is proof of address. A recent utility bill with your name and address should do it.
- Step 4. Age verification. To verify your age, the betting app will need a colour copy of your ID or passport. Make sure that the details match what you entered during registration.
- Step 5. Payment Method Verification. You will also need to send proof, such as a bank statement, that the payment method you're using is yours. For e-wallets, you need a screenshot while logged in. If you have any doubts, ask the customer support team.
- Step 6. Source of funds. Sometimes, cricket betting apps may ask for proof that your funding source is legit. A screenshot of some recent transactions will be more than enough.
- Step 7. Ongoing monitoring. While the KYC is usually a one-time process, the cricket betting app will monitor for any changes. If you win big, you might need to go through the process again.
Is it worth the risk of betting on cricket without KYC?
While most bettors hate the KYC process, it's there for your good. You can't bet without passing it. Well, you can, but if you win something, you won't be able to withdraw without verifying your account.
Indian cricket betting apps without KYC are often associated with fraud and identity theft. If you want a proper online sports betting experience, you should look for a trusted sportsbook with KYC.
FAQ
Will I be penalized for not complying with KYC?
You may not be penalized for not complying with KYC rules, but you won't be able to claim your winnings. Cricket betting is all about making a profit, so there's no point in letting a simple check prevent you from it.
Is it safe to let the betting platform see my documents?
Yes, it is. Trusted cricket betting platforms will handle your documents securely. They're protected by SSL encryption which sends the data through safe private servers, so you don't need to worry about it.
How long does the KYC check take?
In general, the KYC process takes about 24 hours. It can be less or more than that depending on the betting app, the time of the day and how busy the agents are.
