1. Purpose and Scope
This document sets out the identity verification requirements that apply to all accounts registered with Ontario. It describes when verification is required, what information and documents must be submitted, how submitted data is processed, and what consequences apply if verification cannot be completed.
Identity verification is a regulatory obligation, not an optional step. The platform operates within the framework established by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) Internet Gaming Standards and applicable federal requirements under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act. These obligations require that player identity is confirmed before an account becomes fully active and at defined points during the account lifecycle.
2. When Identity Verification Is Required
Verification may be triggered at any of the following points:
- Account registration. A player account cannot be created until the minimum required information has been collected and validated. No wagering activity is permitted on an unverified account.
- Withdrawal requests. Identity confirmation is required before processing any withdrawal. This applies regardless of the amount or the payment method selected.
- Large or qualifying transactions. In line with federal reporting requirements, verification is mandatory for certain transaction types, including casino disbursements, receipt of funds of CAD 3,000 or more, credit of CAD 3,000 or more, and foreign-currency exchange transactions of CAD 3,000 or more.
- Suspicious activity. Where a transaction or pattern of activity is flagged as potentially suspicious, the platform is required to take reasonable measures to verify the identity of the account holder regardless of the transaction amount.
- Periodic re-verification. Player information is subject to re-verification at regular intervals and whenever changes occur to applicable prohibited-person or excluded-person lists maintained by the regulator.
- Responsible gaming interventions. Verification may be required as part of account-level responsible gaming reviews or when account access is subject to a restriction or self-exclusion check.
3. Information Required at Registration
At the point of account creation, the following information must be provided and must be complete and accurate:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Residential address
- Login identification method
- Contact information (email address and, where applicable, phone number)
- Any additional information required under applicable anti-money-laundering legislation
This information is validated before the account is activated. Providing false, incomplete, or unverifiable information is grounds for account suspension or permanent closure.
4. Documents Accepted for Identity Verification
When documentary evidence is required, the platform accepts government-issued identification that confirms the account holder’s identity and age. Accepted document types include:
- Passport (any country of issue, valid)
- Provincial or territorial driver’s licence
- Provincial or territorial photo identification card
- Permanent resident card or equivalent government-issued travel document
Documents must be current and legible. Expired documents are not accepted. The platform reserves the right to request additional supporting documents where the primary document does not provide sufficient confirmation of identity, address, or age.
5. Age Verification
Only individuals who have reached the legal gambling age in Ontario are eligible to hold an account or participate in any wagering activity. Age is verified as part of the standard registration process. Where age cannot be confirmed from the information provided at registration, documentary verification is required before the account proceeds.
If age verification fails or cannot be completed, the account will not be activated. Any funds deposited to an account that is subsequently found to belong to an underage individual will be returned in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.
6. Verification Methods
The platform uses a combination of the following methods to confirm account holder identity:
- Document verification. Submitted identification documents are reviewed for authenticity, consistency, and validity.
- Facial comparison. Where required, a facial image may be compared against the photograph on the submitted document.
- Liveness detection. Biometric liveness checks may be used to confirm that the verification is being completed by a live person rather than a static image or recording.
- Data-source screening. Information provided by the account holder may be cross-referenced against authoritative data sources to confirm accuracy.
The specific combination of methods applied depends on the verification trigger and the risk profile of the account or transaction.
7. Submission Process
Verification requests are communicated to the account holder through the account portal or by direct contact from the compliance team. The account holder is responsible for submitting the required documents within the timeframe specified in the request. Failure to respond within the stated period may result in account restriction or suspension pending receipt of the required information.
Documents must be submitted through the designated secure channel indicated in the verification request. The platform does not accept documents sent by unencrypted email or through unofficial channels.
8. Processing and Data Handling
All personal data and documents submitted for verification purposes are processed in accordance with the platform’s Privacy Policy and applicable Canadian privacy legislation, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) where applicable.
Submitted documents and biometric data are retained only for as long as required by law or regulatory obligation. Data is not used for any purpose other than identity verification, regulatory compliance, fraud prevention, and account management.
The platform does not sell, transfer, or disclose personal verification data to third parties except where required by law, by a regulatory authority, or where a third-party verification service provider is engaged under a data-processing agreement consistent with applicable privacy requirements.
9. Consequences of Failed or Incomplete Verification
If identity verification cannot be completed, the platform will apply one or more of the following measures depending on the circumstances:
- Restriction of account functionality, including suspension of deposit, withdrawal, or wagering access
- Temporary account suspension pending receipt of required documents
- Permanent account closure where verification cannot be completed within a reasonable period or where submitted information is found to be false
Where an account is closed due to failed verification, any balance held in the account will be handled in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and the platform’s account closure procedures.
10. Account Holder Obligations
Account holders are responsible for:
- Providing accurate and complete information at registration and at any subsequent verification stage
- Notifying the platform promptly if any registered information changes, including name, address, or contact details
- Responding to verification requests within the timeframe specified
- Ensuring that only the registered account holder uses the account
The platform is not liable for delays in account activation, withdrawal processing, or access restoration that result from an account holder’s failure to provide required information or documents in a timely manner.
11. Contact
For questions regarding the identity verification process or the status of a pending verification request, account holders may contact the platform through the support channels listed on the official website. Verification-related enquiries should include the account reference number to allow the compliance team to locate the relevant file without delay.