Age Verification Policy

Age Verification Policy for the Protection of Minors #

Purpose #

The purpose of this Age Verification Policy is to prevent minors from participating in gambling activities regulated by Vanuatu Customs and Inland Revenue and Administered by Vanuatu Gaming Authority. This policy outlines the requirements and procedures for ensuring that only individuals of legal gambling age are able to access and engage in interactive gambling services.

Legal Age Requirement #

• The legal minimum age for gambling in Vanuatu is 18.
• All operators licensed by the Vanuatu Gaming Authority must implement measures to verify that players meet the minimum age requirement.

Age Verification Process #

Initial Registration #

• Operators must collect sufficient information during the registration process to verify the age and identity of players. This may include:
  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Residential address
  • Valid government-issued identification (e.g., passport, national ID card, driver’s license)

Identity Verification #

• Operators must verify the provided information using reliable and independent sources, such as:
  • National identity databases
  • Credit reference agencies
  • Other third-party identity verification services

Documentation Review #

• In cases where electronic verification fails or is not possible, operators must request physical or scanned copies of identification documents. The documents must be reviewed for authenticity and validity.

Account Activation #

• Players are not permitted to make deposits or place bets until their age and identity have been verified. Temporary accounts may be provided for a period of 30 days pending verification.

Ongoing Monitoring and Re-Verification #

• Operators must continuously monitor accounts for any signs of potential underage gambling. This includes monitoring for inconsistencies in player-provided information or suspicious activity.
• If an operator suspects that a player is underage, they must immediately suspend the account and initiate a re-verification process.

Parental Controls and Self-Exclusion #

• Operators should provide information and tools to help parents prevent minors from accessing gambling sites. This may include guidance on setting up parental controls on devices.
• Operators must also provide a self-exclusion option that can be activated by parents or guardians who discover underage use of gambling services.

Penalties for Non-Compliance #

• Operators found to be non-compliant with this policy will face penalties, including fines, suspension, or revocation of their gaming license.

Reporting and Cooperation #

• Operators are required to report any instances of suspected underage gambling to the Vanuatu Gaming Authority immediately.
• Operators must cooperate fully with the Vanuatu Gaming Authority in any investigations related to underage gambling.

Public Awareness and Education #

• The Vanuatu Gaming Authority will work with operators to promote public awareness about the legal age for gambling and the dangers of underage gambling.
• Operators must display clear and visible messages on their platforms regarding the legal gambling age and the importance of age verification.

Review and Updates #

• This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with legal requirements and best practices. Operators will be notified of any updates or changes to the policy.

This Age Verification Policy is a mandatory requirement for all operators licensed by Vanuatu Customs and Inland Revenue and Administered by Vanuatu Gaming Authority. Ensuring compliance is essential for the protection of minors and maintaining the integrity of the interactive gambling industry.