Licensing and Regulation

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Wildz.de is operated by Rootz LTD, Company Number C83903, within the laws and regulations provided by Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) with licence number 208.1.1-02254-Rootz Ltd. Permission was granted on September 15, 2022 for operation of virtual slot machines in accordance with §§ 4 to 4d in conjunction with 22a GlüStV 2021 throughout Germany (see White List).

There are multiple responsibilities covered by the licensing and regulations framework. While these are technical and legal in nature, here are some details to explore:

More about KYC

KYC, or Know-Your-Customer (or Client) checks, refer to due diligence processes used by online operators to verify the identity and financial information of customers to safeguard the interests of both operators and their customers. The main aim is to assess risk potential, prevent underage gambling and block financial crime, such as fraud, corruption, bribery and money laundering. On registration, prospective customers must supply verifiable information that contributes to the KYC profile:

• Identifying the customer and verifying their true identity.
• Assessing customer risk.
• Identifying the beneficial owner and taking measures to verify that person’s identity.
• Ongoing monitoring and record keeping.

The KYC process may vary slightly between different operators and according to different geographical territories and regional regulatory frameworks. Usually, customers will need to send the operators a number of documents, which can include:

• Copy of ID card, Passport, or driving licence;
• A recent utility bill with the customer’s name on it;
• A photo of the customer holding documentation;
• A document proving where the source of the customer’s money, such as a payslip;
• Proof of payment, such as credit card details. Each operator may have additional requirements according to individual needs and circumstances. Customers should inform their preferred operator should their personal details be changed.

Source of Wealth, Source of Funds

Related to the KYC process are Source of Wealth & Source of Funds checks, in which an online operator will verify that customers’ money sources are legitimate, for example, a verified bank account, and that customers are playing according to what they can afford, proof of employment income, for example.

PEP checks

A Politically-Exposed Person (PEP) is a person who would represent a risk to the operator if they were to let them play. For example, if somebody worked in government, they could be at risk of bribery, and could use the operator to launder this money. An online operator is likely to deny an account to people who either are PEPs or who are related to them in some capacity.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML)

Online operators are required by law to ensure that adequate controls are in place to prevent it being used for money laundering or terrorist funding. Again, different countries, territories, regions and regulated markets have different requirements when it comes to AML controls, but all operators are required to fulfil these obligations accordingly. There are stringent compliance norms and standards in place in regard to this, which operators must adhere to or risk losing their operating licences.

To comply, an online operators must implement an appropriate AML programme, the purpose being to prevent suspicious customers and transactions from entering the financial system. This programme includes dedicated staff appointments, training for all staff, reporting of suspicious behaviour to the relevant bodies, the development and maintenance of internal policies and procedures and periodic auditing from external bodies.

Responsible Gaming

Online gambling is an entertainment product, however, each online operator must subscribe to Responsible Gaming practices. At Wildz, this is an ethical and regulatory obligation to protect customers. There are dedicated tools in place designed to help players manage their spending limits, along with tips on how to safeguard against problem gambling and access to Professional Resources.

Responsible Gaming practices include:

• Personal Limits, including deposit limits and wagering limits.
• Time-outs that allow players to ‘cool off’ and take a break from gambling (self-exclusion).
• Permanent self-exclusion, an option provided to players that may want to exclude themselves permanently from Wildz.
• Reality Checks - A means of tracking time/money spent during a play session via a regular (60 minutes) check.
• Tips and resources. If you think you or someone close to you has a gambling problem, please visit our Responsible Gaming section to find helpful tips and third-party resources.

Licensing and regulations are all designed to protect the customer as well as the online business, and while each operator will strive to make all checks as seamless as possible, the obligation remains with both the customer and business to provide all information necessary to abide by licensing and regulation rules at all times.