KYC: the simple definition
KYC stands for Know Your Customer. It's the process by which a financial or gambling platform verifies that you really are who you claim to be.
Concretely with us, that means proving:
- Your identity (last name, first name, date of birth) with an official document.
- That it's really you holding the document (verification selfie).
- That you're of legal age (18 or older in Cameroon, may vary elsewhere).
It's a step you do only once at the start. Once validated, you never have to do it again (unless you change your legal name, lose your document, or your account is compromised).
Why it's mandatory (law + protection)
1. It's the law. In Cameroon, the Commission nationale des jeux de hasard du Cameroun (CNJHC) requires KYC for all gambling platforms. The same goes for the CEMAC zone (Chad, Congo, Gabon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea) and the vast majority of countries where we operate.
Without KYC, we couldn't be licensed to operate. And if we didn't comply, we would lose our license.
2. It fights money laundering. Without identity verification, people could use Ktkarena to launder illegal money (placing strategic bets with accomplices to transfer "clean" money). KYC makes that much harder.
3. It protects minors. Gambling is forbidden for anyone under 18. Without KYC, a minor could easily create an account with fake documents. KYC with selfie + official document blocks the vast majority of attempts.
4. It protects you. If someone tries to steal your identity to create an account in your name, KYC prevents it. And if your account is hacked, KYC allows us to give it back to you.
What data we collect, how we protect it
During KYC, we collect:
- Your civil status information: last name, first name, date of birth, nationality, place of birth (depending on the document).
- Your ID document number: national ID number, passport number, etc.
- Photos of your document: front and back.
- Your verification selfie: with your head movements.
This data is encrypted in our database (AES-256 encryption). Only KYC service admins can see it, and only when necessary (initial validation, or in case of a problem with your account).
We never sell your data. No sharing with advertisers, commercial partners, or third parties. Our only partners regarding your data are:
- The regulatory authority (CNJHC) in case of a legal request.
- Our KYC provider (Onfido, technical partner) for automatic document verification. Onfido complies with European (GDPR) and African data protection standards.
You can request deletion of your KYC data when you close your account. Close my account.
The 3 KYC levels at Ktkarena
We have 3 verification levels depending on the amounts you bet:
Level 1 - Standard KYC. Activated after sign-up, validated within 24h. Lets you bet up to 500,000 KTK per month and withdraw up to 500,000 KTK per month. Covers 90% of bettors.
Level 2 - Enhanced KYC. Activated on request if you want to bet beyond level 1 limits. You must provide: proof of address (utility bill, water bill, municipal certificate less than 3 months old), and proof of income (pay slip, bank statement). Validation in 48-72h. Lets you bet up to 5,000,000 KTK per month.
Level 3 - Institutional KYC. For very big bettors (Institutional stake tier, 1M-20M KTK per bet). Requires an in-depth verification: video interview with an admin, proof of source of funds (6-month bank statement, employer certificate, etc.). Validation in 5-10 business days. No monthly cap.
The vast majority of bettors stay at level 1 for their entire life on the platform. You are not required to move up a level - only if your financial ambitions demand it.