1. Purpose of This Document
This document sets out the identity verification requirements that apply to all account holders and players using Sault Ste. Marie casino services. It explains when verification is required, which documents are accepted, how verification is conducted, and the consequences of not completing verification. The policy applies to all individuals accessing casino services through the platform in Canada.
Identity verification is a legal and regulatory obligation. Canadian casinos operating under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act framework must verify client identity in specified circumstances. Sault Ste. Marie is subject to applicable federal requirements administered by FINTRAC, as well as any applicable provincial gaming authority obligations.
2. When Verification Is Required
Identity verification may be initiated at any of the following points:
- At the time of account registration, before full account access is granted
- Before processing a withdrawal request
- When a transaction meets or exceeds applicable financial thresholds
- When a large cash or virtual currency transaction is identified
- When a casino disbursement is made
- When a foreign currency exchange is conducted
- When a credit extension of CAD 3,000 or more is involved
- When a transaction is flagged as suspicious or triggers an internal risk review
- At any point during the account lifecycle if updated verification is required under applicable law or internal compliance procedures
Verification is not necessarily a one-time event. The company reserves the right to request updated or additional documentation at any stage of the account relationship.
3. Accepted Identity Documents
The following categories of documentation are accepted for identity verification purposes. All documents must be valid, unexpired, and clearly legible.
3.1 Government-Issued Photo Identification
Acceptable documents include a Canadian passport, provincial or territorial driver’s licence, provincial photo identification card, or Permanent Resident card. The document must display the account holder’s full legal name, date of birth, and photograph.
3.2 Proof of Address
A recent utility bill, bank statement, government correspondence, or similar document issued within the past 90 days is accepted. The document must display the account holder’s full name and residential address matching the information on file.
3.3 Proof of Payment Ownership
Where a withdrawal is requested to a specific payment method, documentation confirming ownership of that method may be required. This may include a bank statement showing the account holder’s name and account number, or a screenshot of a verified digital wallet.
3.4 Source of Funds
In higher-risk cases or where required by applicable compliance procedures, documentation evidencing the source of funds deposited may be requested. This may include recent payslips, tax assessment notices, or bank statements showing the origin of funds.
4. Verification Methods
Sault Ste. Marie may use one or more of the following methods to verify identity:
- Government-issued document review: submitted documents are assessed for authenticity, validity, and consistency with account information.
- Credit file verification: where permitted and applicable, identity may be confirmed through a reference to a credit file held by a Canadian credit bureau.
- Biometric and facial verification: in certain cases, a facial image or liveness check may be requested to confirm that the person submitting documents matches the identity document provided. Where biometric data is collected, it is processed in accordance with the applicable Privacy Policy and Canadian privacy legislation.
- Document authenticity checks: submitted documents may be assessed using automated or manual review processes to identify signs of alteration or forgery.
5. Submission Process
Documents must be submitted through the secure upload facility available within the account portal. Sault Ste. Marie does not accept documents sent by unverified email addresses, third-party messaging applications, or any channel outside the official platform.
Submitted files must be in a supported format, clearly legible, and free from obstruction. Cropped, edited, or partially obscured documents will not be accepted and will require resubmission.
6. Processing Timeframes
Once all required documents have been submitted in acceptable form, Sault Ste. Marie will complete the review within a reasonable period. Account holders will be notified of the outcome through the registered contact details on file. If additional documentation is required, a further request will be issued.
Withdrawal processing will not proceed until verification is complete. Delays caused by incomplete, illegible, or inconsistent documentation are the responsibility of the account holder.
7. Consequences of Incomplete Verification
If verification is not completed within the period specified in the verification request, or if submitted documents do not meet the required standard, one or more of the following may apply:
- Withdrawal requests may be suspended or cancelled
- Account access may be restricted or suspended
- Funds held in the account may be subject to a hold pending resolution
- The account may be closed in accordance with the applicable Terms and Conditions
The company will communicate the reason for any restriction and the steps required to resolve it, using the contact details on file.
8. Data Handling and Privacy
All identity documents and personal data collected during the verification process are handled in accordance with the applicable Privacy Policy and Canadian privacy legislation, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act where applicable. Documents are retained only for as long as required by law or internal compliance obligations.
Biometric data, where collected, is used solely for identity verification, compliance, and fraud prevention purposes. It is not sold or shared with third parties for commercial purposes.
9. Fraud Prevention and Security
Account holders are responsible for ensuring that all documents submitted are genuine and belong to them. Submission of falsified, altered, or third-party documents constitutes a serious breach of these terms and may result in immediate account closure, forfeiture of funds, and referral to relevant authorities.
Sault Ste. Marie will never request passwords, banking login credentials, remote access to devices, or payment of any fee in connection with the verification process. Any communication requesting such information should be treated as fraudulent and reported to the support team through official channels.
10. Contact
For questions relating to the verification process or the status of a pending verification request, account holders may contact the Sault Ste. Marie support team through the official contact channels listed on the platform. Verification-related enquiries should not be submitted through unofficial channels.