When new players sign up at online casinos and open a real money account, they have to furnish certain details and copies of documents. Often the reaction is one of frustration because one of the objectives of gambling online is to be free from any hassles of protocols and conventions. But this requirement is in the players’ interest. It can be likened to security checks at the airports – inconvenient but absolutely essential. Through this process the online casino verifies that you are who you claim to be and you live where you claim to live. It prevents fraudulent players from gaining access to the casino. The online casino is obliged to insist on getting this information as a part of its licensing and security requirements.

Though all online casinos ask for this information the exact procedure varies. Realtime Gaming (RTG) powered online casinos have a formalized procedure that is clearly explained on the web sites and is made as user friendly as possible. Players are asked to sign an authorization form and return it to the online casino duly signed. The form can be downloaded in pdf format from the cashier section of the online casino. Some online casinos ask for hard copies to be mailed to them. RTG online casinos have made this process easier. They accept the required documents by fax. Many players would not have access to fax machines at home. Therefore RTG online casinos allow players to take a digital photograph or scan them and e-mail them. The fax number and e-mail address are stated on the form itself. RTG online casinos have a large customer base in the United States. Therefore they provide a toll free fax number for American players.

The authorization form is constructed in a simple manner. In the first section titled Personal Details players will have to enter name, address, date of birth and phone numbers. The second section is for credit card or debit card details. The card number and expiry date have to be provided. As a security measure players are asked to enter only the first six digits and the last four digits of the card number. The next section pertains to the bank information and is particularly important for players who would withdraw balances by ACH or wire transfer. Some banks require routing codes for such transfers. As a matter of abundant precaution players should obtain this code from their bank and enter it on the form. The final section is a legal statement that requires the players’ signature. It states that the information provided is correct and will be used as a basis for financial transactions and resolving disputes, should any arise. It also reconfirms that the player has accepted the online casinos terms and conditions.

Three documents need to be sent along with the authorization form. These are a visible copy of the driver’s license or other official photo identification, a copy of credit card registered with the online casino and a utility bill or bank statement with the address displayed.

Players at RTG online casinos have to be careful about one aspect of the authorization form. As a convenience to players RTG online casinos allow them to deposit funds and wager without their submitting the authorization form. But they will not allow players to withdraw funds until the form is submitted and found complete. Therefore, in their enthusiasm to wager, players should not forget to submit the authorization form.