Recently, some of our regular readers received an interesting email from Stake Casino about completing Level 2 verification.
In the email, Stake explains that you need to submit level 2 verification before January 1st, 2025, to get more bonuses and rewards.
Stake also states that if you submit level 2 verification, “you will be able to continue enjoying Stake.com from 2025”. but what exactly does that mean?
What Happens If You Don’t Complete Stake KYC Level 2 by 01/01/25?
According to Stake:
So, if you haven’t completed level 2 verification yet, I strongly suggest you do so soon. It’s really simple, and I’ll outline the process in a bit.
But first:
Why Does Stake Request KYC at All?
Curaçao-licensed casinos like Stake are under increasing pressure to adopt stricter KYC processes to align with evolving global standards.
While this may seem like a hassle from a player’s perspective, it’s a necessary step to prevent money laundering and fraud.
I wrote a dedicated crypto casino KYC guide if you’d like to learn more about the topic.
Stake Verification Levels: Unpacked
Stake Casino has four verification levels. I’ll take you through exactly what’s required for each tier, and tell you when you can expect each tier to be triggered.
Level 1
This level is mandatory when you sign up at Stake, and it includes basic information like:
- Name
- Address
- Country
- Birth date
Since no one needs to verify the information, it’s instant—which is why you can successfully deposit and start playing as soon as you sign up.
Level 2
This level is all about uploading a valid proof of identity, which includes one of the following:
- National ID
- Driver’s license
- Passport
You just need to snap a picture of your chosen ID document and upload it to the Verification portal, which you can find in the Settings section of your Account tab.
It took Stake less than an hour to verify my details, though some players have claimed it took slightly longer.
Level 3
Once you start withdrawing larger amounts, you’ll increase your chances of triggering Stake’s level 3 verification.
Here, you’ll need to upload proof of address. Stake doesn’t explain on the portal what proof will suffice, so I’ll help you out here. You can use documents like:
- Utility bill
- Bank statement
These documents must be no older than six months, and they must display the same address you filled in during Level 1 verification.
Level 4
The highest level of Stake verification, Level 4 requires you to submit proof of funds to prove where your gambling money comes from.
You can use:
- Pay slips
- Bank statements
- Sales contracts
You’ll likely trigger this verification if you are making substantial bets and withdrawing even larger amounts.
And, since these documents are more complex, it may take 24 hours or more for Stake to review your submissions.
Is There a Way to Bypass Stake Level 2 Verification?
I see it all the time—players searching for how to get past Stake Level 2 verification. If you’re one of those curious (or desperate) players, I’m afraid the news isn’t good.
In order to sign up with Stake, or any casino platform, you first have to agree to the terms and conditions.
In these T&Cs, casinos and legal teams take great care to cover all their bases and protect themselves in the case of disputes.
Stake, like many other top casino brands, reserves the right to request KYC at any time.
The casino has clauses stating that failure to comply can result in account closure or suspension of funds.
Unless you’re playing at an anonymous crypto casino, there’s no way to bypass KYC once it’s triggered.
My advice? Don’t sign up at Stake if you know you can’t pass KYC.
Tips for a Smooth Stake KYC Process
Since we’ve established that you do have to go through KYC if you want to play at Stake (sorry, privacy-forward players), I thought I’d give you some tried and tested tips to make the process easier.
- Be honest from the beginning. Don’t provide false information during Level 1 to try and protect your privacy. Stake won’t share your information outside of its organization, but you will be caught out in a lie when you trigger Levels 2, 3, and 4.
- Prepare your documents beforehand. Having a folder (physical or digital) containing all the documents I’ve mentioned so far will save you time in the long run.
- Ensure pictures are clear. If you’ll be taking photos of your documents, make sure they are clear and that all information can easily be read. This saves you from having to resubmit documents again.
- Don’t create multiple accounts. If you’ve ever played at Stake before and want to start again, don’t create a new account just because you’ve forgotten your password and username. You can use tools to regain your old account and prevent yourself from being flagged for multiple accounts.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it—your guide to Stake KYC and the recent Level 2 verification requirements.
In order to be compliant, Stake has had to up its game in the KYC department, much to the horror of anonymity-seeking players.
It’s up to you to complete Level 2 before January 1st, 2025 if you want to keep playing!