New Age & Identity Verification Rules (UK)

UK Gambling Commission Changes to Age and Identity Verification Rules

There have been some positive changes by the UK Gambling Commission for how bookmakers will verify age and identity. These new rules came in on Tuesday 7th May, and we believe it benefits both bookmakers and punters greatly.

The 72 hours period to verify your account for UK players has been removed, and a player will need to verify the name, address and date of birth before he/she can:

• Deposit
• Bet with money or bonuses
• Access Free-to-Play games
• Be eligible for any bonuses

All customers new or old (if not yet verified) will have to verify their name, address and date of birth before being allowed to gamble.

Also, bookmakers cannot confiscate a customer’s funds on the basis that they have not provided ID in time for Tuesday 7th May, and consumers are legally entitled to money which they have deposited in their account, to winnings made with money they have deposited and gambled.

These rule changes will greatly benefit both sides, but also great protection for punters as they will have to verify their age and identity before any deposits can be made.

Previously, we have seen a lot of complaints with bookmakers locking accounts with winnings/deposited money until a customer verifies their account. With this rule change, it should no longer be an issue.

For further information, check out the Gambling Commission’s news post on these rule changes.

Steven Hubbard

Steven is the product manager on BettingLounge and is an experienced iGaming writer who has been working in the industry since 2018.