In one line: every licensed bookmaker must check who you are before it pays you. Have your ID, a recent proof of address and proof of your bank account ready, and FICA is the quickest part of joining.
Why you’re asked
Licensed bookmakers fall under the Financial Intelligence Centre Act, FICA for short, which is there to stop fraud and money laundering. They must know who their customers are and make sure money goes in and out of accounts in the customer’s own name. Gambling law separately requires them to keep under-18s out. An offshore site that skips this isn’t doing you a favour: it’s a sign it isn’t playing by South African rules.
What they ask for
| Document | Usually accepted | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Green ID book, smart ID card (both sides) or passport | All four corners in the photo, no glare, nothing cut off |
| Proof of address | A utility bill, bank statement or lease, usually less than three months old | It must show your name and the same address as your account |
| Proof of bank account | A bank statement or confirmation letter showing your name and account number | Needed before most withdrawals to that account |
| A selfie with your ID | Sometimes, for extra checks or to change bank details | Hold the ID next to your face, in good light |
What our bookmakers say
- 10bet asks you to pass FICA during registration before you can deposit and claim the welcome bonus.
- Betfred wants documents no older than three months, and its terms let it ask for a selfie and hold payouts until you send it.
- Easybet needs FICA before a bonus is credited and before you withdraw. To change bank details it asks for a statement less than three months old, a photo of your ID and a selfie holding it.
- Lucky Fish lets you use its R50 sign-up bonus before your documents are in, but you must be FICA-approved before your first withdrawal.
- Virgin Bet accepts a green ID book, smart ID card or passport, with a utility bill, bank statement or rates invoice under three months old, and aims to verify within 24 to 48 hours.
- YesPlay verifies your bank account before you can take cash out with Instant Money.
From each bookmaker’s own terms and help pages, checked 13 October 2026.
Get it done fast
- Do it straight after you join, before you deposit. Verification problems are the most common reason a first withdrawal is held up.
- Use clear photos. Blurry or cropped images are the main reason documents get rejected.
- Match everything. The name on your ID, bank account and proof of address should be the same, and the address should match your account.
- Use the official upload. Send documents through the bookmaker’s account page or its official FICA email address, never to someone who messages you first.
Keep your documents safe
No bookmaker will ask for your banking password, PIN or a one-time PIN by WhatsApp, SMS or phone. Anyone who does is a scammer. Licensed bookmakers have privacy obligations under POPIA for the documents you send them.
Questions punters ask
Do I need FICA to bet?
Some bookmakers let you bet before you’re verified, but none will pay you out until you are. 10bet asks for it during sign-up.
How long does FICA take?
It varies by bookmaker and by how clear your documents are. Uploading everything at once, correctly, is the quickest route.
Why was my proof of address rejected?
Usually because it’s too old, doesn’t show your name, or shows a different address from the one on your account.
Last updated 11 November 2026