Casino ID Checks Explained

Online casinos in the UK must verify the identity of customers before allowing them to gamble, under rules introduced in 2019. Since 7 May 2019, all online gambling businesses licensed in Great Britain must confirm a customer's name, address and date of birth before the customer can gamble. Failure to verify leads to a bar on play.

But why do online casinos demand ID, and why is address verification sometimes provided by utility bill or bank statement?

Identity Checks Before Play

The requirement that casinos must know precisely who is playing, before they play, is enforced by the Gambling Commission's licence conditions. The checks have to be complete before the first bet, not after it.

Casinos that rely on electronic verification may proceed with that approach, but may need to request additional documentation such as photo ID and proof of address if the electronic checks fail.

What the Gambling Commission Requires

The requirement, simply, is that casinos know your precise identity. Verifying a customer's address is part of the age and identity checks and also of money laundering prevention, which is why a casino may ask for a recent utility bill or bank statement.

Why Age Matters

The business must confirm that the gambler is an adult, that is, that the person playing is 18 or over. Checking name, address and date of birth before any play makes it easier to prevent underage gambling.

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UK casinos are forbidden from accepting stakes from anyone who has not completed the verification process.

18+. Gambling can be addictive: the National Gambling Helpline is free on 0808 8020 133.