1. Purpose and Scope
This document sets out the identity verification requirements applicable to all persons who hold or seek to open an account with Starlight Casino New Westminster. The policy applies to all account holders and prospective account holders located in Canada and governs the collection, review, and processing of identity documents in accordance with applicable federal and provincial legal obligations.
Identity verification, also referred to as Know Your Customer (KYC), is a mandatory compliance function. It is not optional and cannot be waived. All persons who engage in real-money activity through Starlight Casino New Westminster are subject to the requirements described in this document.
2. Legal Basis
Starlight Casino New Westminster operates within the Canadian regulatory framework governing gambling and financial transactions. The primary federal legislation applicable to identity verification is the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA). Under this Act, casinos are designated reporting entities and are required to verify the identity of customers in defined circumstances.
Oversight of compliance with the PCMLTFA is conducted by FINTRAC, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada. In addition to federal obligations, provincial gaming regulators impose their own licensing conditions and operational standards, which may include stricter or earlier verification triggers than those set at the federal level.
Starlight Casino New Westminster fulfills obligations under both the federal AML and ATF framework and applicable provincial requirements.
3. When Identity Verification Is Required
Identity verification must be completed before funds are disbursed in connection with account opening. The following circumstances require identity verification to be completed.
3.1 Account Opening
Verification is required for every person for whom an account is opened. No funds may be disbursed from the account until verification is complete. For corporate or entity accounts, verification must be completed before the first transaction other than the initial deposit is carried out.
3.2 Transaction Thresholds
Verification is required in the following transaction scenarios:
- Receipt of cash in a single transaction: CAD 10,000 or more
- Receipt of virtual currency in a single transaction: equivalent to CAD 10,000 or more
- Extension of credit to a person or entity: CAD 3,000 or more
3.3 Authorized Account Users
Any person authorized to give instructions on an account must be verified before any funds are disbursed in connection with that authorization.
3.4 Suspicious Transactions
Where a transaction is identified as suspicious, regardless of the amount involved, identity verification must be completed before a Suspicious Transaction Report is filed with FINTRAC.
3.5 Exemptions
Starlight Casino New Westminster is not required to verify the identity of a person conducting a transaction of CAD 3,000 or more in funds where those funds are received from a financial entity or a public body, or from a person acting on behalf of such a client, in accordance with FINTRAC guidance.
4. Required Documentation
Account holders are required to submit the following categories of documentation as part of the verification process.
4.1 Government-Issued Photo Identification
A valid, unexpired government-issued photo identification document is required. Acceptable documents include a driver’s licence, passport, or national identity card. The document must clearly display the account holder’s full legal name, date of birth, and photograph.
4.2 Proof of Address
A proof of address document issued within the preceding three months is required. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, bank statement, or official tax notice. The document must display the account holder’s full name and current residential address.
4.3 Payment Method Verification
In certain circumstances, Starlight Casino New Westminster may require confirmation of ownership of the payment method used to fund the account. This may include a bank statement or a copy of a payment card. This requirement applies where there is a need to confirm that the account holder is the authorized user of the payment method.
4.4 Biometric or Liveness Verification
Where required by the verification process, account holders may be asked to submit a selfie or complete a liveness check. This is used to confirm that the person submitting documents is the same individual depicted in the government-issued identification. This measure is applied to mitigate identity fraud involving stolen or misappropriated documents.
5. Verification Process
Upon submission of required documents, Starlight Casino New Westminster will review the materials provided. Automated document recognition tools may be used to assist in the review process. Where automated checks are insufficient, manual review will be conducted.
The standard processing period for identity verification is between 24 and 72 hours from the time complete and legible documentation is received. In some cases, verification may be completed more rapidly. Processing times may be extended where documents are incomplete, illegible, or inconsistent with the information provided at registration.
Account holders will be notified of the outcome of the verification review. Where additional documentation is required, a request will be issued specifying the nature of the outstanding requirement.
6. Obligations of the Account Holder
Account holders are required to:
- Ensure that all personal information provided at registration matches the details on the identity documents submitted. Discrepancies between registration data and official documents will result in delays or rejection of the verification submission.
- Submit clear, high-quality scans or photographs of all required documents. Images that are blurred, cropped, or otherwise illegible will not be accepted.
- Provide proof of address documents that are current and dated within the preceding three months.
- Complete payment method verification where requested, prior to the processing of any withdrawal.
- Notify Starlight Casino New Westminster promptly of any change to personal details, including name, address, or contact information, that may affect the accuracy of records held on the account.
7. Data Handling and Privacy
All identity documents and personal data collected as part of the verification process are handled in accordance with applicable Canadian privacy legislation. Documents are used solely for the purposes of identity verification, age confirmation, AML and ATF compliance, fraud prevention, and responsible gambling obligations.
Starlight Casino New Westminster does not share personal verification data with third parties except where required by law, including obligations to report to FINTRAC, or where third-party verification service providers are engaged under appropriate data processing agreements.
Documents and personal data are retained for the period required by applicable law and regulatory guidance. Upon expiry of the required retention period, data is securely deleted or anonymized.
8. Age Verification
The minimum legal age for gambling in Canada is 18 years, with certain provinces setting the minimum age at 19 years. Starlight Casino New Westminster requires all account holders to meet the applicable minimum age requirement for their province of residence.
Age verification is conducted as part of the standard identity verification process. Where an account holder cannot confirm that they meet the minimum age requirement, the account will not be activated and no real-money activity will be permitted.
9. Consequences of Non-Compliance
Where an account holder fails to complete identity verification within the required timeframe, or where submitted documents are found to be fraudulent, altered, or inconsistent with registration data, Starlight Casino New Westminster reserves the right to:
- Suspend or restrict account access pending resolution of the verification matter.
- Withhold the processing of withdrawals until verification is completed to the required standard.
- Close the account where verification cannot be completed or where fraudulent documentation has been submitted.
- Report the matter to FINTRAC or other relevant authorities where required by law.
10. Contact for Verification Queries
Account holders with questions regarding the identity verification process or the status of a pending verification submission should contact the customer support team of Starlight Casino New Westminster through the official contact channels listed on the website. Support is available to assist with document submission requirements, processing status inquiries, and clarification of outstanding verification requests.