Proof of address

Proof of address is a document confirming that the player lives at the address given in the account. The casino asks for it as part of the KYC check, together with an identity document. Most often proof of address has to be submitted before the first withdrawal or when the casino notices that account details and payment details do not match.

Why the casino asks for proof of address

Under anti-money laundering rules, a gambling operator must know who its customer is. The EU anti-money laundering directive and the Estonian laws based on it require customers to be identified and their details checked against reliable sources. The address helps confirm that the account is opened in the name of a real person, that the player is in a country where the casino may provide its service, and that the same person is not opening several accounts. The wider background is in the terms anti-money laundering and verification; a general explanation of KYC is also on Wikipedia.

Which documents are accepted

The exact list depends on the casino, but the following documents are usually accepted:

• a utility bill (electricity, gas, water, internet) showing your name and address;
• a bank account statement showing your name and address;
• an extract from the population register about your residence, available from the state portal eesti.ee;
• a letter from a public authority, for example a tax notice.

It is often required that the document is no older than a couple of months and that the name, address and date are clearly legible. A mobile phone bill or a picture of an envelope may not be accepted. An identity document such as an ID card is usually not proof of address, because the Estonian ID card does not show an address.

If you live abroad, the same principles apply: the document must be official, recent and in your name. Some casinos also accept a PDF downloaded directly from an e-service, which is often better than a phone photo of a paper document. If you send a picture, take it in good light and so that all four corners of the document are visible.

How proof of address affects your withdrawal

If proof of address is missing or does not meet the requirements, the withdrawal usually stays on hold until the check is complete. This extends the withdrawal time and can mean several days in pending status. The fastest solution is to upload the documents right after registering, not only when you need the money. A guide to how the check usually goes is on the page KYC check and withdrawal.

At Pay N Play casinos much of the identification happens through a bank link, and the address often comes from the bank's data. Even there the casino may ask for additional documents for a larger amount or unusual activity.

Common mistakes

• The document shows a different address than the account, for example a previous residence.
• The name, date or edge has been cropped out of the picture.
• The bill is in someone else's name, for example a partner's.
• The file is blurry, too small or has important information covered.

You will find more practical examples in the articles KYC documents at a casino and five mistakes that slow down a withdrawal.

What to do if you have no proof of address

If you have no bills in your name, in Estonia the simplest option is a population register extract or a bank statement. If the casino rejects a document, ask customer support exactly what was wrong and submit a new file. If you have recently moved, first update the address in your casino account so the details match. And if the check takes unreasonably long, save the correspondence and dates so you can file a complaint if needed.