Deposits, withdrawals and identity checks at UK poker sites

Verification comes before gambling

The Gambling Commission says online gambling businesses must verify a customer's age and identity before allowing them to gamble. Electronic checks may be sufficient, but an operator may request documents such as a passport, driving licence or household bill. Further checks can be required to meet anti-money-laundering obligations.

Prepare without oversharing

Use accurate account details and follow the operator's secure upload process. Do not send identity documents through an unverified email address or link. If a request seems excessive, ask the operator why the information is needed and use its formal complaints process if necessary.

Payment methods and credit cards

Credit-card funding for gambling is banned in Great Britain. The restriction also affects e-wallets when credit-card funds could pass through them for gambling. Available debit cards, bank transfers and wallets vary by operator, as can minimum deposits and fees.

Read withdrawal conditions before depositing

Check whether the payment method supports withdrawals, whether a minimum applies and how the operator describes normal processing. A business should not delay a withdrawal for identity information it could reasonably have requested earlier, although additional legal checks may sometimes be required.

Understand customer-fund protection

Licensed businesses must explain in their terms how customer money would be treated if the company became insolvent. The Gambling Commission describes no, medium and high levels of protection. This is separate from whether a payment method feels convenient, so include it in a room comparison.

Keep deposits within a predetermined budget and never use borrowed money to play.