Sharon Davies

You’ve probably seen the term KYC, but what is KYC? It is the verification of your identity, and it’s an important stage that you’ll have to go through at most casinos if you want to withdraw your winnings. If you’ve spent hours building up a bankroll, chances are the casino will ask you to verify your identity. Knowing how the KYC process works could be the key to your success. Some casinos have a stricter KYC process than others regarding what documents you must submit and how you submit them.So, if you want to receive your winnings, check our blog below to be fully prepared for any KYC verification process.What Does KYC Stand For?In short - Know Your Customer! But what is the meaning of KYC? It means the casino must know who you are to validate your account. You will usually always have to go through the KYC procedure if you want to withdraw, at one point or another.Some casinos will require you to send identification documents on your first withdrawal. Some may require it when you withdraw a certain amount or accumulate a certain amount of withdrawals. Some casinos may also allow you to complete the KYC process when you register, which can help speed up the withdrawal process, which we will discuss later. Origins of KYCThe KYC origins date back to 1970 and years of unchecked financial crimes. Guidelines were drafted in 1970 in the US to prevent money laundering. Prior to these dates no one would know what a KYC is. The 2001 Title III of the Patriot Act further cracked down upon it, which looked at providing tools to prevent terrorist activities. While it’s important for you to be safe online, the casino needs to make their players safe. We’ve discussed more about this in our casino safety internal blog. What Is the Purpose of KYC?The purpose of KYC is to help fight financial crime and money laundering. Casinos must comply with laws and regulations, so they actively carry out the KYC procedure. Unfortunately, there are rogue casinos, so watch out for casino scams to protect yourself. You must complete several steps during the KYC process so the casino can establish your identity and understand your activity before releasing your funds. The casino will also consider responsible gambling when accessing your activity, so never bet beyond your means. Unfortunately, there are fraudsters out there, and the casino needs to protect themselves from money laundering, which is why KYC is so important. The purpose of KYC is also to help casinos understand the potential risks some players may carry during the onboarding process.. KYC ProcessWhat is the KYC process? The casino needs to establish your identity, but what is a KYC process, and how do you know when to submit your documents? The casino you are playing at will inform you when to submit your documents and how. However, some players like to verify their accounts before depositing, so you can request an early KYC process.#1 Customer Identification Program (CIP)It’s only natural that some players worry about this process when their winnings are at stake, which is why it’s always a good idea to ensure you have your identification document at hand. But what are the 3 components of KYC?First, it’s the verification of your documents. The casino will inform you when this happens and tell you what documents you need. You must take a picture of these on your phone and ensure that all four corners of your document are in view and the picture is clear. If you do not do this, they will be declined, delaying your withdrawal. How you submit your documents differs per casino. The safest way to submit your personal information is through a Document Uploader. However, some casinos do not offer this feature, and you will be required to attach photos of your documents to an email. The casino will let you know when the documents are approved and continue to process your withdrawal. #2 Customer Due DiligenceIf you don’t know what KYC compliance is, here ‘s how the casino assesses their customers. The casino must protect itself against criminals, and that’s where customer due diligence comes in. The casino will assess their player’s risk levels, and depending on which level you fall into, you may be required to complete extra verification checks. Your risk category can be determined when the casino verifies your account, and any additional information they acquire will be stored digitally. Facts the casino considers include:Your locationOccupationThe type of transactions you makeYour gaming patternsExpected payment methodsYour risk level could also change at any time. #3 Ongoing MonitoringOnce your documents are approved, the casino can process your withdrawal, and you will not usually be asked to submit them again for subsequent withdrawals. However, there are exceptions to this rule as the casino continues to monitor accounts. If you request a large withdrawal, you may need to verify your account again, or the casino may ask you for additional information and documents. The casino will monitor your gaming patterns, deposits and withdrawals and could ask for more information. You may also be requested to complete a Source of Wealth (SOW) process, also known as a Source of Funds. As part of ongoing monitoring, this is a process to prove to the casino that the funds you have deposited are yours in a crackdown against money laundering. It sounds scary, but as long as you have nothing to hide, there’s nothing to worry about. A SOW should not affect a current withdrawal but could prevent you from making further deposits if you cannot provide adequate proof.KYC DocumentsWhilst each casino may request slightly different verification documents, as a rule, there is a list of accepted documents which is usually available in the casino's Terms and Conditions. It’s always a good idea to check this before you play to ensure you have the required documents before you withdraw. What are the KYC requirements? Identification documents must usually be government issued, and the most popular forms of ID include a Passport, driver's license or National ID Card.You must also provide proof of your address, which means you must submit a second document, which is government issued. Accepted forms usually include a bank statement, utility bill, water bill or rental agreement. Usually, the casino will request that it is not older than three months, and your name and details must be clearly visible, including all four corners. In recent times, casinos have started to request that you send a photo of yourself holding your ID. This may sound daunting, but unfortunately, if the casino has requested it, you will not receive your withdrawal unless you submit it. KYC in the Gambling IndustryIf you’re new to online casinos, one thing you’ll need to prepare yourself for is the KYC Process and clue yourself up on what KYC verification is. Winning is all well and good, but if you can’t prove to the casino that you are who you say you are, those winnings will never land in your account. When you register at a casino, you must fill in the registration form with the correct information. Even one digit out could prevent you from getting your cash! If you use false information, the casino cannot verify your identity, and there are certain pieces of personal information that cannot be edited. The good thing about this is if someone is trying to use your details, they can never withdraw without your identification documents.The casino must establish your identity before withdrawing, and most casinos will have an effective KYC process. As always, watch out for rogue casinos as they are out there. The quicker you send your documents, the quicker you get your withdrawal. All casinos have different verification timescales, and some won’t process it at the weekend. The important thing is that you check this information in the terms and conditions to avoid any disappointment.Hopefully, things will run smoothly, and your identification will be verified to enable a swift withdrawal. Sometimes problems occur. This usually happens if you have either not submitted the correct documents, they are out of date, or they don’t match your registration details. If this happens, work with the casino, and if you have any issues, you can visit us in the forum or take advantage of the AskGamblers Casino Complaint Service if you think the casino is stalling.KYC DrawbacksKYC is an excellent way for the casino to authenticate your account and know that they are paying winnings to you and only you. However, the drawback of it is the additional waiting times when it comes to withdrawals.You are usually required to complete the KYC procedure at the point of withdrawal, so you must wait for your documents to be approved. If the casino has 24 pending times for its withdrawals, this doesn’t usually include verifying your documents which will have an additional pending time.The time you must wait for your documents to be approved depends on which casino you play at. Some are quicker than others and process them the same day or even within a few hours. Some may take a few days. The other drawback is if there are issues with your documents and they are not approved, which means your withdrawal will be further delayed. The good news is that once you are verified, it’s usually the only time you’ll need to complete the procedure except for more extensive or jackpot wins.  What Is KYC for Crypto?If you are depositing in cryptocurrencies, the KYC process may be slightly different, and it depends on the casino. The benefit of crypto payments is anonymity, and at crypto-only casinos, you may not be required to complete the process.However, there may still be times that you need to send identification documents, so please check the Terms and Conditions before you play.Is KYC Good?We know that reading this may seem daunting, but it need not be. Yes, KYC can delay the withdrawal of your winnings. Still, it also prevents anyone else from being able to withdraw from your account by providing your identification documents. Hence, the casino knows it is you and no one has stolen your personal information. Be prepared before you play, and we’re confident that everything will run smoothly. 

It’s the million-dollar question isn’t it: Poker or Blackjack? Blackjack is a far less dramatic game than Poker but, when we think about where the money’s at, then it's most certainly Poker. Some of the richest people in the world have won their money in a game of Poker but it takes hard work, determination, and a starting bankroll to be successful at poker.In this article, you will learn the main differences between these two popular casino games and the reasons why they suit different kinds of players. Reading this blog will help you to understand which game is best for you.Poker vs Blackjack - Key DifferencesBoth of them are iconic games but they equally have their differences, which means you may come to the conclusion that one of them is not for you. One of the biggest differences is the concept strategy. Winning a hand in blackjack is down to some ability, a strict strategy, and a bit of luck. Winning a hand at poker involves a degree of skill, psychology, and deception.Here are some of the key differences between two the two popular casino games:Strict Strategy: Most blackjack players will stick to a very strict strategy in order to help them win, whilst poker players can delve in and out of different strategies.Poker is Highly Competitive: If a poker player wants to be the last man standing, they must be willing to upset a few players along the way. The game is highly competitive and, while blackjack shares a similarity, it’s a much different sort of competitiveness.Interaction: Blackjack players can choose how much they interact with other gamblers but poker is a much more social game. Lacking social skills or the ability to read people will be a huge disadvantage for poker players whereas this wouldn’t matter for blackjack players.Each game is different in its own right and we’ll go into more details below so you can have a better understanding.Blackjack vs Poker OddsWhen it comes to Blackjack this game offers better odds because you’ll only be playing against the casino. Poker on the other hand is different, the odds change as you’ll be betting against other players and even if you win the casino still takes a cut.Inexperienced blackjack players could be looking at a house edge as high as 4% which means for every $100 they bet they should expect to lose $4. However, backing up your game with a solid strategy could lower this house edge to as little as 0.5% which means the odds of winning have just increased.Poker odds however are much more skill-based. Poker is a game of profitability! You should know which cards you need to form a poker hand but most importantly should understand the odds of getting them. The odds of getting hands like a poker flush or a straight are pretty much set in stone but you cannot equate these to your odds of winning.An important thing to remember in poker is that you are playing against other people. It’s hard to gauge their next moves, which can change the whole dynamic, as it could mean your odds of winning are based on how well they play! On top of everything, poker pros might hit you with poker-specific llingo that might sound like a foreign language at first, which is why it wouldn't be a bad idea to try and get acquainted with some of the most popular poker hand nicknames.Which One Is Easier to Learn - Poker or Blackjack?Blackjack is an easier game to learn than poker as it requires one single basic strategy which is not hard to learn. Once a player learns a strategy that works for them they can use this to their advantage.There are strategies in blackjack that work no matter what which means blackjack players only need to focus on learning them to maximize their potential. Check out our blackjack tips if you’d like to learn more.Poker is much harder to learn and harder to become good at, too, however, become a professional poker player and you could be earning some serious cash.There’s no one solid strategy that works in poker as it does in blackjack, as you’re playing against other players and you have no idea how good or bad they are. You can check out how to play poker if you want to become a more experienced player.Which Game Is More Profitable - Blackjack or Poker?Poker is by far the more profitable game out of the two because you’re not betting against the house, you’re betting against other players. Some of these may be very smart, some might make bad choices meaning you’re about to make a profit. Large sums of money are involved in poker games and if you’re a decent player you’re about to walk away with more than a blackjack player trying to beat the house.One of the main reasons why poker is more profitable than blackjack is down to the fact that blackjack players bet against the casino. It’s you vs the house edge and unfortunately, the casino will always have the upper hand in this situation. Much like a lot of other casino games in fact, like slots for example. Why not take a look at types of online gambling to compare profitability.Of course, blackjack having the house edge doesn’t always mean the casino will win, so there are margins to make a profit. It just means that the casino will always win a percentage of your money back in the long run.House Edge - How It’s Calculated in Poker and Blackjack?In layman's terms, the house is a statistical way of measuring the casino's advantage over the player. In the long run, the house edge always comes out on top and it represents the gross profit the casino expects to make in each game. In poker, there is no house edge, the casino makes a profit by charging a small amount for running the game and taking a cut out of each pot.However, in blackjack, it's very different. You should expect to lose on average 5% of your bet every time you place a wager as we mentioned before. This could result in big implications depending on how much you’re betting over how long you’re playing for. It’s important to note here that house edge only applies over a statistically large amount of bets. If you’re making a small number of bets, the house edge doesn’t apply.For example, if you play under 1000 hands you’re not going to see the statistical effects of the house edge. However, once you start betting over 1000 hands the results will start to resemble the mathematical expectations. You can lower the house edge if you master counting cards and play with a solid strategy.Which Game Offers More Flexibility?A game of poker offers more flexibility than a game of blackjack, you must be creative as you’re betting against other players whereas in a game of blackjack you must follow a strict set of rules. Poker offers flexibility as there are several effective ways that can help you become a better player and net a profit.Should You Choose Blackjack or Poker? - Main Factors to ConsiderBy now we hope we’ve highlighted the main differences between blackjack and poker. You need to consider where you want to be in the long run before deciding which game to choose.You also need to consider whether or not you are comfortable betting with other players, if you don’t think you have what it takes to pull off a poker face then maybe blackjack is more for you. On the other hand, if you get your kicks out of being competitive then give the poker tables a try.In the long run, your odds of winning more money lies in a game of poker but of course, this comes with its disadvantages. It also means statistically, you could lose more too. However, the final decision falls on you and whichever you decide to master, we wish you the best of luck.

Roulette is a game that dates back centuries, and players often wonder how to win at online roulette. No strategy is foolproof; however several strategies and tips can help you increase your chances of winning, and that's where we come in. Our complete guide on how to win at Online Casino Roulette will talk you through some of the things to look for to make yourself a better online player.To understand how bets and odds work in roulette, it's essential to do your research before playing. Our guide will explain the type of bets you can make. The rest is up to you to decide which ones are better for your budget.Is There a Way to Win in Online Roulette?First thing's first, you'll need to practice. If you're a new player, you can check out our how to play roulette blog for more information.But, if you're asking yourself how to win at roulette online every time, we can tell you now that you can't! Let's dismiss that myth before we even get started.Sometimes you will lose, but the tips we're about to give you today can help boost your chances of winning.Winning big at online roulette may depend on which numbers you bet on. The number 17, for example, has been the centre of some massive historical wins, so one might say this is a lucky number to bet on. The number 7 is also globally known as a lucky number. Of course, these are just superstitions, but they are known as 'safe bets'.How to win at roulette online may also depend on whether you try to predict the numbers. The dealer's signature is a theory that suggests the dealer may hit the same numbers regularly based on how they spin the wheel. This could allow you to predict the numbers and boost your chances of winning.10 Tips for How to Win at Online RouletteWhile there is no guaranteed way to win at roulette, there is more than one roulette strategy that you can use to lead you in the right direction. We'll explain the top 10 tips to help you win your bet!Know the OddsDon't go into a game of Roulette blind! Each bet has different odds, and we're not saying you need to know them all by heart, but you need to have some knowledge.Some bets will be more rewarding than others, and your odds will also change depending on which version of roulette you have chosen. European Roulette is known for having better odds, so do your homework, then bet!Stay Away from Single Number BetsSingle number bets look appealing with a 1:35 payout, but in reality, your chances of winning with this bet are small. We're not saying don't use these bets; sure, go ahead and try them, but stick to bets with better odds to increase your chances of winning.Wager on Outside BetsThere are inside, and outside bets, but outside bets are known for having better odds. You will receive a lower multiple of your bet with outside bets, should you win. However, as with any bet, there is still a downside.Still, your chances of winning are better with an outside bet than an inside bet.Budget Before You PlayDon't go into a roulette game with huge bets that'll blow out your bankroll immediately. If you're new to the game, it's always better to start betting small and work your way up if and when you can!Set a budget before you start playing, and walk away once you've reached your budget.Practice in Demo ModeIf you have the option to try in free play first, use it! If you're new to roulette, getting used to the wheel and making bets will take a while.The best way to get your practice is in demo mode. This will help you better understand the game and give you a greater success rate when you play for real.Research the Martingale StrategyRoulette enthusiasts rave about the Martingale strategy, but what is it? The strategy helps to recover losses in one single win by increasing your betting amount after every loss.We've touched on chasing your losses further down, which isn't something we recommend. So, if you're planning on using this strategy, you can read our piece on the most common gambling and casino myths for more info on the Martingale.Pick a Trusted Online CasinoUnfortunately, there are some rogue casinos on the web, so do your research first and use only trusted casinos. You can check out our online casinos and read our real player reviews to help give you a good idea of whether or not you should play there.If you get lucky and win, you will want to withdraw your winnings. If the casino is rogue, you're not going to get them.Check Out Betting SystemsWe've already said there is no guarantee with roulette; you're never going to know if your bet will win or lose. However, there are sound roulette betting systems that could be advantageous to you!Take some time, but remember that the casino holds the house edge!Try Combination BetsWe discussed inside bets above, which are less likely to pay out than an outside bet. However, if you'd like to try an inside bet, why not go for a combination bet. You would simultaneously place a wager on multiple single numbers, and the bets are placed on the lines between numbers on the Roulette table.Combinations will cost you more than single number wagers; however, they can secure larger payouts in the long run.Consider the En Prison RuleIf you are playing European Roulette, you can apply this rule. Note, however, that it cannot be used in any other roulette variation.Your even-money bets will be placed "En-prison" if the ball ends in the '0' pocket. Instead of losing your wager, your bet will be carried forward, and if you win the next bet, you get your money back!Be Strict on Yourself - Don't Chase Your LossesYou must know when to stop! This may be the most important tip of all. Our tips are there to help you try and win, but we must all face the fact that sometimes we must lose!You may even lose multiple times in a row; that's not uncommon. But you must not start chasing those losses, hoping you'll regain your money because there is a 50/50 chance you will lose. Keep control of bets and learn to walk away when the time is right.There's always another time!Online Roulette Betting SystemNo roulette betting system is foolproof. However, they can help you, so it is worth your while to spend some time researching these.The Martingale Strategy is by far the most popular among newer players. Why? Because it is an easy betting system to grasp; however, as we said, it doesn't guarantee you a win, so apply the strategy wisely.You apply the Martingale system by placing even-money outside bets which have a high chance of winning but come with the smallest payout. The concept is simple; you double your bet every time you lose until you win. When you win, you should supposedly recover all your losses, and you can return to your regular betting pattern.Another popular betting system is the Reverse Martingale which is simply the opposite - placing a larger bet every time you win. Both are fun to try but don't get your hopes up they will work.Type of Bets at Online RouletteSeveral bets can make your Roulette game both fun and rewarding. If you're new to the game, practise them in free play, and you'll soon figure out which ones work best for you. Here are some of the types of bets you'll be able to make:Straight - placing a bet on single numbersSplit - Picking two numbersStreet - Picking three numbersSquare - As you can probably tell, picking four numbersSix Line - When you select six different numbersRed/Black - You can select any of the red or black numbers to bet onOdd/Even - Self-explanatory, betting on numbers labelled odd or evenHighs/Lows - Betting in regions, 1-18 or 19-36Columns - On column squares to the far right of the boardThe game can become even more complex with combination bets, which we discussed earlier.Learning the art of roulette comes with time no one becomes a pro overnight. You must remember to budget and stay within your financial limits to keep the game fun.

Poker would be a boring game if it weren't for blinds, but what are they? Today we will give you a heads up on Poker blinds and why they are important.Poker blinds are mandatory bets that help drive the game forward. You need to maintain a stack to place these bets when your turn comes, and if you don't, you'll have to leave the game. Blinds in Poker don't need to be confusing, so we'll explain as much as possible to understand better the next time you hit the tables. Blinds in Poker work differently and can change in value depending on the host. You can learn all of this today, and we'll talk you through some blind Poker strategies that could help you gain the upper hand. In addition, for other relevant gambling strategies and information, check out our casino blog.What Are Blinds In Poker?A game of Poker can be found in hundreds of online casinos, but what are Poker blinds? Poker blinds are mandatory wagers. They are placed before any cards are dealt, hence the name "blind". They play a massive role in a game of Poker and are paid by players who occupy the "small blind" and "big blind" positions. These are both positions that are to the left of the dealer button. If Poker blinds did not exist, the game would not work because everyone would be waiting for the pocket aces and quickly get bored. How Do Poker Blinds Work?The "small blind" and "big blind" are named after table positions. Table positions in a game of Poker change all the time; this means that after every hand, the position changes, so each player will play both blinds once per orbit. Poker can be a complex game and take a while to get used to. It would be worth checking out more Poker terms to help give you a better understanding of the game.The Big Blind And The Small BlindThere is a difference between a small blind and a big blind, but generally, they both refer to the amount players occupying these positions must bet (also known as a forced bet). A big blind would usually be the same amount as the table's minimum bet, and then the small blind would be half the size of that bet. However, there could be a scenario where both blinds will be the same amount, but in rare cases only. It is possible to have an ante bet which differs from the blinds as every player at the table must pay them. How Are Blinds Determined in Poker?Typically, the host of the game will decide how to determine blinds in Poker. The size of the blind would usually follow the structure we posted above. A big blind is twice the value of a small blind. However, since it is the host's decision, they could choose to change the structure and pick different values. The structure of the blinds is essential to the game and can help you decide your strategy over a long period. What Is The Poker Dealer Button?The button is a position at the table, and it gets the advantage of acting last in all post-flop betting rounds. The button will often be labelled "button" or "dealer". A round disk will identify the player in the button position.The order of blinds in Poker rotates around the table, shifting one player clockwise after each hand. The button does the same thing. It moves one position to the right of the small blind every time. What Is A Poker Ante and How Does It Work?We touched on a Poker ante earlier, another forced bet similar to the big blind and small blind. However, there is a big difference. Every player plays a poker ante. Everyone at the table must pay the bet, unlike the big and small blinds where only the player in a specific position pays. You would usually find a Poker ante in a draw, and stud variations of Poker and Texas Hold 'em antes are common in tournaments. When an ante bet is present, all players place a bet into the pot before the game begins as it encourages action. Cash Game Blinds Vs Tournament BlindsIf you use Poker blinds in tournaments, they work much the same way as cash games. However, you'll soon learn the one key difference between the pair. In tournaments, they are usually used in the later stages and increase after some time. It is vital to maintain your chip stack; you need to keep this topped up; otherwise, you won't be able to afford the blinds, and you'll be knocked out of the game. We have another blog that looks at different types of Poker if you'd like more information. Strategies for Poker BlindsBlinds in Poker are necessary but how you play your blinds depends on how much you'll win! There are specific strategies you can use to give you the upper hand. These types of games are often about the strategy you use, so check out our Poker guide if you're a beginner. Let's take a look at some strategies you can use for Poker blinds:Take More from Small BlindsTechnically, there is dead money in the pot which you can win if you play your strategy right. You can balance out the losses you make from the small blinds if you win the money from the pot. If you are attempting to steal from the small blind, it is advised that you use a larger bet to help fight off your opponent. If your bet is too small, the big blind has an incentive to call. Otherwise, you're giving them a wide opening range.Defend Your Big BlindBig blinds in Poker will naturally make some players fold due to the price of the bet; your strategy should be not to fold! You need to be prepared to fight for the pot; folding is not always the way to do it. However, that's not to say you should never fold. If you fight too much, you'll burn yourself out. Knowing when to defend and when to fold is key. The price you get on a call means you could defend a wide range of hands from the big blind, hands that have less equity than you'd need if you were calling from a different position. It may be a good idea to look up a Poker blinds chart for more information. Keep Your Eye on the Big Blind PlayerWe've discussed placing the big blind, but you also need to keep a close eye on the player in this position. You may need to adjust your strategy if you have a good, aggressive player to your left. If they are constantly floating and 3-betting, you'll struggle to find marginal or speculative hands. Watch out for these tendencies; if you need to change your strategy to counteract their bets, do it!An aggressive player who is defending by 3-betting or 4-betting means you should narrow your ranges but, in contrast, widen your ranges to win the pot if the big blind player is being tight. Final ThoughtsPoker blinds explained the right way need not be too complicated. The more you play, the more you'll get the hang of it, and it often comes down to the strategy that can help you become a better player. The most important thing to remember is to place the right bet into the pot when you are in a small blind or a big blind position. Keeping an ever-increasing stack is also essential so you don't go out of the game.Having to place mandatory bets may not sound like the ideal play, but without these forced bets, Poker would be a very dull game!