Know Your Customers (KYC) Checks

KYC Checks - Why the matter and what you need to know to comply

What does KYC stand for?

KYC stands for Know Your Customer. It refers to the identity verification process that UK Bookmakers and online Casinos are legally required to carry out before allowing customers to fully use their services, especially when it comes to making withdrawals.

KYC checks are an important part of the UK's Gambling Regulations and are designed to:

• Prevent fraud and identity theft
• Stop money laundering
• Protect minors from gambling
• Promote safer and more responsible gambling

While KYC checks can sometimes be inconvenient, they are an essential part of maintaining safer and more secure gambling environments, which is great for everyone involved in the industry.

Why do Bookmakers and Casinos require KYC Checks?

Bookmakers and online casinos are required by UK (and international) law to verify who their customers are.  This requirement comes from:

• Anti-money laundering (AML) laws
• Counter-terrorism financing regulations
• Gambling regulator rules

Without KYC checks, gambling platforms could be misused for illegal activity or allow underage gambling.

When are KYC Checks carried out?

KYC checks can happen at any time, but the most common times to be asked to complete a KYC check include:

• During registration, when basic identity details may be requested (such as proving your address or bank details)
• Before a withdrawal, when full verification is often required
• If account activity changes, such as large deposits, unusual betting patterns, or updated personal details

Some users only encounter full KYC checks when they try to withdraw their winnings, which is why these checks can feel unexpected; however, if you remember that KYC Checks help to regulate the industry and therefore protect players, it's easier to accept any inconvenience the checks can cause.

What information do Bookmakers and Casinos ask for?

To complete KYC checks, Bookmakers and Casinos typically request documents that confirm:

1. Your Identity

Examples of suitable documents to prove your identity include:

• Passport
• Driving licence
• National identity card

2. Proof of Address

Examples of suitable documents to prove your address include:

• Utility bill (gas, electricity, water)
• Bank or credit card statement
• Government-issued letter

These documents usually need to be recent (often within the last 3 months).

3. Payment Method Verification

You may be asked to verify:

• Debit or credit cards (with sensitive information hidden)
• E-wallet accounts
• Bank accounts

This helps confirm that the payment method belongs to you.

How long do KYC Checks take to complete?

KYC verification can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on:

• The bookmaker’s procedures
• Whether documents are clear and valid
• The volume of verification requests

Delays often happen when documents are unclear, expired, or don’t match account details, so please ensure that the photos or scans you supply are clear and contain all the requested information.

Common Reasons KYC Checks Are Delayed or Rejected

KYC checks may fail for various reasons, but the most common causes are :

• The name or address doesn’t match your account details
• Documents are expired or blurry
• Screenshots are cropped or edited
• You attempted to verify someone else’s payment method

Providing accurate and up-to-date information in your initial communication will reduce issues later.  Remember, KYC Checks are necessary to protect players and Bookmakers.

Are KYC Checks Safe?

Reputable Bookmakers and online Casinos use encryption and secure systems to protect customer data. However, it’s still important to :

• Only upload documents through official, secure channels
• Avoid sharing documents via email unless explicitly instructed
• Use licensed and regulated gambling platforms

At SafeBettingGuide.com, we recommend only using bookmakers regulated by the UK Gambling Commission.

KYC Checks and Responsible Gambling

KYC checks also play an important role in responsible gambling by:

• Confirming age eligibility
• Helping enforce self-exclusion schemes
• Detecting potentially harmful gambling behaviour

While they don’t prevent all gambling harm, they are an important safeguard and should be viewed as a useful tool, rather than an inconvenience.

Can You Avoid KYC Checks?

In a word, no.  Any bookmaker that allows withdrawals without identity verification is likely unregulated and therefore carries significant risk.  Avoid platforms that claim “no KYC”, as this is a sure sign they are not properly licensed, may not protect your funds or personal information, and may be involved in illegal activities.

What Should You Do If You Have Problems With KYC?

If you encounter problems whilst complying with KYC Checks, try the following :

• Contact the bookmaker’s customer support
• Double-check the document requirements, and make sure the documents you supply are legible and contain the required information
• Be patient and avoid opening multiple accounts

If problems persist, consider withdrawing remaining funds and switching to a more reputable, regulated operator.

Key Takeaways

• KYC checks are a legal requirement for all UK-registered Bookmakers and online Casinos
• They help protect users and prevent illegal activity
• Delays usually happen due to issues with the documents that people supply
• Using regulated bookmakers reduces risk

Understanding KYC checks can help you avoid frustration and make safer, more informed choices when betting online.

 

** Please note, the information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice!