Changes in the verification rules in the UK

Things are getting stricter as the time goes by in the United Kingdom, regarding the gambling industry, but at the same time, the changes in some processes seem to work in favor of the bookmakers. This is the case of the new rules on the identification process, that intend to verify the customers’ details, such as age and identity even faster.

These new rules will require that the operators will have verified the identity of their customers, as well as their identity before players can make a deposit in their account and start playing. This is significantly different than the current process, where players are able to deposit and bet without having verified their details. Additionally, the operators will have to verify the customers’ age before they can deposit funds on the account and gamble.

According to the new rules, the operators will have to:

• Verify the name of the player, his/her address and date of birth.

• Are allowed to ask for additional information regarding verification of the player’s identity.

• They should inform the customers for the types of identity documents they will have to provide and the way the latter will be supplied to the operator.

• Ensure that the provided information remains accurate.

Neil McArthur, Gambling Commission Chief Executive, said:

“These changes will protect children and the vulnerable from gambling-related harm, and reduce the risk of crime linked to gambling.  They will also make gambling fairer by helping consumers collect their winnings without unnecessary delay.’’

“Britain’s online gambling market is the largest regulated market in the world and we want to make sure it is the safest and the fairest. Today’s changes follow our review of online gambling and our ongoing widespread regulatory action into the online sector.  We will keep using our powers to raise standards for consumers.”

Jeremy Wright, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, added:

“These significant changes mean operators must check someone’s age before they gamble, and not after. They rightly add an extra layer of protection for children and young people who attempt to gamble online.

“By extending strong age verification rules to free-to-play games we are creating a much safer online environment for children, helping to shut down a possible gateway to gambling- related harm.”