Wicket Guide · verification · November 2026
FICA verification for South African betting sites
The Financial Intelligence Centre Act is why every licensed book asks who you are before it pays you. This is the same process at Hollywoodbets, Betway, YesPlay and Sportingbet.
Documents that pass
| Ask | Accepted | Usually rejected |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Smart ID, both sides. Green barcoded ID. Valid passport. | A selfie that crops the corners. A driver’s licence if the book asked for an ID. A photo of a photo on another screen. |
| Address | Utility bill, municipal account, or bank statement dated inside three months, with your name and street address. | A lease with no dates. A bill in a parent’s name. An e-toll or a screenshot of a profile page. |
| Bank | Downloaded statement showing your name and account number. | A cropped banking-app screenshot. An account in someone else’s name. |
Where to send them
- Hollywoodbets: inside the account, or via the help desk on 087 353 7634 and [email protected].
- Betway: the verification panel in the account. Chat can see the status once the file is uploaded.
- YesPlay: account upload, or [email protected], phone +27 21 200 5992.
- Sportingbet: the FICA section, and [email protected] if it stalls.
Order of operations
- Register with the name on your ID. Not a nickname, not a shortened surname.
- Upload documents the same day.
- Wait for the approval mail before you plan a withdrawal.
- Then deposit. A bonus can wait.
International books run their own checks. Passing those is not the same as FICA under a provincial licence, and we do not recommend using them to avoid this step. More on timing: fastest payouts.
FAQ
What documents do South African betting sites need?
A government ID (green book, smart ID both sides, or passport) and proof of address dated within three months. Many cashiers also want a bank statement in your name before the first EFT withdrawal.
How long does FICA take?
A clean file is often approved inside 24–48 hours. A cropped photo, a statement older than three months, or a surname that does not match will reset that clock.
Can I bet before FICA is done?
On licensed books you can usually deposit and bet. You cannot withdraw. Do not treat that as a reason to delay the upload.