As of the 7th of May (2019), the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) introduced new rules which online operators (i.e. online casinos) must follow to make gambling in the UK safer and fairer for everyone. Online casinos need to verify customers’ age and identity details faster (within 72 hours) which will ultimate protect customers.
The UK Gambling Commission wants to ensure that all players are old enough to gamble – there’s a danger of people under the age of 18 are playing online and this is a way of stopping this. When a new customer signs up to an online casino, they need to verify who they are before they are allow to play free versions of video slots, deposit or withdraw money or make bets/play for real.
You will notice that all UKGC-licensed online casinos will require you to provide documentation in order to use their services. As a minimum, customers must verify their name, address and date or birth. The UKGC wants to ensure players have not self-excluded – players may have gambling problems so they will check identities against their databases to protect those players. They also want to ensure that customers are not using criminal proceeds.
Documents you may need to send
In order to ensure all the above, you may need to send them some the following documents:
| Valid passport (only the photo page) | · Valid UK Driver’s License | · Bank Statement (no older than 3 months) | · Utility Bill (no older than 3 months) |
| · Council Tax Bill (no older than 1 year) | · HRMC Tax Notification (no older than 1 year) | · Tenancy Agreement (no older than 1 year) | · Mortgage or Home Loan Statement |
It’s Standard Practice
All UK-approved online casinos will ask for these documents and follow the UKGC’s rules and regulations. If an online casino doesn’t, they are either operating illegally or are not doing as they should which will result in formal action (such as fines or, having their license suspended or revoked).
Online casinos are now ready to verify their customers’ identities and with most having dedicated staff to ensure the process is completed as soon as possible. Some online casinos, like LeoVegas Casino or Mr Green Casino use various methods of automatically verifying customers. This makes it easy for everyone involved – to ensure the process is smooth, you need to enter the correct details when signing up and be who you say you are. Once you are verified fully, there won’t be a need to do it again – it protects you as much as it protects the online casino so it’s in your interest.
What should I do next?
Well, read our Top 10 Commandments of Playing at Online Casinos article which gives you an insight of the most important elements to consider when playing online.