Whether you’re an online casino veteran or new to them, you’ve probably encountered Know Your Customer (KYC) checks at some point. This is the pesky process that asks you to submit documents that verify your identity, address and bank details.

This might seem incredibly intrusive (and it’s a major hassle, let’s be honest), but it is one of the most important ways that online casinos can fight back against crime such as money laundering, fraud and identity theft.

Online casinos are getting better at making their KYC checks easier and smoother to complete, but it’s always good to know whether you need to complete one in the first place. As sweepstakes casinos aren’t technically gambling, but instead operate as free-to-play casinos, will you need to jump through the same hoops as you would for any of the popular real money online casinos in the US?

What are KYC checks?

Know Your Customer (KYC) checks allow businesses to verify who is making payments to them. These aren’t exclusive to casinos, as banks and other financial companies must also undertake them.

They will verify the customers' identities to make sure they are who they say they are.

What happens during a KYC check?

If you’re completing a KYC check for an online sweepstakes casino in the US, then the process is much quicker and easier than it would be for something like an online bank.

You’ll be required to upload photos of documents, usually a government-issued ID document of the individual (such as a passport or driver's licence) and proof of address (such as a water bill).

Once the KYC team at the sweepstakes casino have verified these, you’ll be able to withdraw cash from the sweepstakes casino from your winnings.

Do I need to do KYC checks for sweepstake casinos?

If you’re planning on withdrawing from a sweepstakes casino, then you will likely need to complete a KYC check before doing so. It might be annoying, but it’s the best defence against fraud, corruption, money laundering, and terrorist financing.

Unfortunately, even the most popular online sweepstakes casinos will get in trouble with the law if they don’t ask for KYC checks from customers!

You might be able to play without having to complete these checks, but if you weren't asked to complete KYC checks when you signed up, then you'll probably be asked to complete them when you're trying to withdraw. 

Of course, withdrawing from sweepstakes casinos isn't always easy. One of the conditions you need to complete first are the sweeps coins, but don't worry, as we have a full guide on playthrough requirements for Sweeps Coins available here.