Rod/APK:
BBD is correct....this is pretty much standard operating procedure. I know the first time they asked I was a little annoyed (you got my credit card # already! What else do you want???). Wish I had asked your question when I started out and, hopefully, this response will make you a little more comfortable with the process. My profession circulates around this kind of stuff, so if you will bear with me I will do my best to: 1) Explain my perspective as to why they need this information and why it is a reasonable request; and 2) How you should provide the info (at least in my view).
Nope, I don't work for a book --- which will become evident as you read the recommendation on how to comply with their request.
Why they Need it/The Request is Reasonable
If you deposited by credit card (and especially for your first withdrawal) the vendor just wants to make sure you are the same person when disursing funds (you provided the security code when you deposited....correct?). They just need to match it up. After all, its their money until it is yours.
Without these precautions, you or the book could get ripped off. For example, If I have (only) your bank name/account number (i.e. no security code required...guard your mailbox carefully!), all I would have to do is:1.Get your BETUS account info (easier than it sounds...how much unecrypted e-mail goes back and forth between you and your online books with your e-mail name and account number readily viewable? Easy to get if you are using a wireless connection); and
2. Make up a reasonable looking facsimile of your credit card (soooo easy to do with software) and request BETUS redirect the withdrawal to my personal netteller (or similar) account.
This wouldn't be easy for the average person....but its not far-fetched. There are a lot of eager beavers trolling the internet for just the type of information needed to pull this off. Chat rooms are notorious for offering stolen information on the cheap. If (when) they ask for an image of a license/utility bill....they are just being extra careful and taking the time to be sure you can corroborate your identity per your registration with them and per the credit card information (see note below on precautions when providing a copy of your license or passport).
Most (reputable) sports books will only ask for this type of information on the first withdrawal...but be prepared to provide it again if making a large dollar withdrawal or if the book changes the company that processes its payments to players. The latter scenario is happening a lot lately for companies that do business with U.S.-based players.
How You Should Provide The Info
In my view, password-protected, electronic images of your information, with key data blacked out, is the safest route for complying with the book's request. If they ask for a license/passport, be sure black out the photo, identification # and signature line. The sportsbook has absolutely no need for that information and revealing it would seriously increase the risk that your identity could be stolen. A couple of $50 bets on a soccer match is simply not worth the untold hell you will go through if that happens. If they insist on that information and you insist on giving it to them....make sure you sign up for identity-theft protection with one of the firms specializing in that area. Even if you take that step, and someone publishes your (searchable) name, w/license picture on the internet (say, as an inveterate gambler) --- or, god forbid, publishes an image of your signature ---- the pain will go on for a long, long time. Important note: If you use ***********, NetTeller, etc. to get paid (getting harder and harder to get a check in the U.S.) you may have to give up your license/passport number as part of the process. If that happens, still don't give up your photo or signature.
I don't recommend faxing the information. If you send a fax, anyone passing by the fax machine has ready access to all your information (time to go online shopping!). Also outgoing fax machines usually store images in a digital queue until the machine on the other end answers. That information can be accessed quite easily....not something you want sitting on an office fax machine or a machine at Kinko's or the like.
I have had no problem sending sportsbooks documentation as a password-protected .pdf file (Adobe Acrobat) image. You could probably put it in Microsoft WORD as well. Just set the password = to your account number....or some other key that an account manager can easily reference (but is not obvious to someone cruising the internet, like your town name). They weren't crazy about the idea the first time I did it (had to swap some e-mails, you cannot call a withdrawals department) but is was worth it. True this: e-files can get ripped off too, but obviously a lot more effort has to go into the theft if you use this approach (Would have to be an inside job too. Too scary for most folks). Just a note on the obvious, if you go this route, just don't send them a password by e-mail (or if you have to, send it as a separate e-mail).
Good luck.
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Originally Posted by bigboydan
