- Purpose of This Document
This document sets out the identity verification requirements that apply to all customers of Grosvenor Casino Southwark. These requirements arise from the regulatory framework established by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), which mandates that all licensed gambling operators verify the identity of customers before permitting them to gamble.
The document explains what information is collected, why it is collected, when verification must be completed, and the consequences if verification cannot be confirmed.
- Legal Basis for Identity Verification
Grosvenor Casino Southwark is subject to the UK Gambling Commission’s Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP). Licence Condition 17.1.1 requires remote licensees to obtain and verify sufficient information to establish the identity of a customer before that customer is permitted to gamble. For non-remote premises, equivalent obligations are set out in the applicable Social Responsibility Codes.
These requirements exist for three primary reasons:
- To confirm that the customer is aged 18 or over, the legal minimum age for gambling in Great Britain.
- To confirm the customer’s identity and ensure that the information provided corresponds to a real individual.
- To check whether the customer is registered on a self-exclusion scheme, which would prevent access to gambling services.
Identity verification also forms part of obligations under UK anti-money laundering legislation and Know Your Customer (KYC) standards. These obligations are not discretionary. If verification is not completed, access to gambling services cannot be permitted.
- When Verification Must Be Completed
Verification must be completed before a customer is permitted to gamble. Identity checks are not deferred to the point of withdrawal. The UK Gambling Commission has stated that requiring additional information as a condition of withdrawal, where that information could reasonably have been requested at an earlier stage, is not compliant with regulatory expectations.
If a customer has not previously completed identity verification, verification will be required before any gambling activity is permitted, regardless of whether the customer holds an existing account.
- Information Required
At a minimum, the following information must be obtained and verified for every customer:
- Full legal name
- Residential address
- Date of birth
All three elements must be verified and must correspond to the same individual. Incomplete, inaccurate, or inconsistent information will prevent completion of verification and will result in access to gambling services being withheld until the issue is resolved.
5. Methods of Verification
5.1 Electronic Verification
Where possible, electronic identity verification tools are used to confirm a customer’s name, address, and date of birth against independent data sources. This may involve the use of credit reference agencies, data aggregators, or specialist KYC solution providers. Electronic verification is usually the fastest method and does not require the customer to submit physical documents in the first instance.
Electronic verification is considered successful when the information provided by the customer is matched against independent records to a standard that satisfies regulatory obligations. Where a single data source is insufficient, multiple independent sources may be used.
5.2 Document-Based Verification
If electronic verification cannot be completed, or if additional confirmation is required due to risk assessment, documentary evidence will be requested. Acceptable documents are set out below.
Acceptable photo identification:
| Document Type | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Passport | Must be valid, legible, and show no signs of tampering or reproduction |
| UK Driving Licence (full or provisional) | Must contain a photograph, show date of birth, and be valid and legible |
| National Identity Card (where applicable) | Must contain a photograph, show date of birth, and be valid and legible |
Acceptable proof of address:
| Document Type | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Utility bill | Issued within the past three months, showing full name and current address |
| Bank or building society statement | Issued within the past three months, showing full name and current address |
| Council tax bill | Current year, showing full name and current address |
Documents submitted must be legible and must not show signs of alteration, tampering, or reproduction. The company reserves the right to request additional documentation if submitted materials do not meet the required standard.
5.3 Alternative Verification Methods
In some circumstances, verification may be supported by additional measures, including confirmation of a first deposit from an account held with a regulated UK or EU credit institution, or contact with the customer via a verified telephone number or secure digital channel. These measures supplement, rather than replace, the core identity verification requirements.
- Enhanced Verification and Financial Checks
In addition to standard identity verification, enhanced due diligence may be required in certain circumstances. This includes situations where a customer’s activity presents indicators of elevated risk, where the source of funds requires clarification, or where obligations under anti-money laundering regulations require additional scrutiny.
Enhanced verification may involve requests for documentation relating to source of funds or source of wealth. These requests are made in accordance with regulatory obligations and are not optional. Customers who do not provide the requested information within a reasonable timeframe may have their account suspended or access to gambling services restricted until the matter is resolved.
- Self-Exclusion and Identity Checks
Identity verification is directly linked to the operation of self-exclusion schemes. As part of the verification process, checks are carried out to determine whether a customer is registered on a self-exclusion scheme. If a customer is identified as self-excluded, they will not be permitted to access gambling services, and any attempt to open a new account will be declined.
Customers who have self-excluded and subsequently attempt to circumvent this by providing altered or false identity information are in breach of the applicable terms and may be subject to further action in accordance with applicable law.
- Data Handling and Retention
Information collected for identity verification purposes is processed in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Information is collected and retained only to the extent necessary to fulfil legal and regulatory obligations.
Identity documents and verification records are retained for the period required by law and by regulatory obligations. Customers have rights in relation to their personal data, including the right to access information held about them. Details of how to exercise these rights are set out in the Privacy Policy of the relevant operator.
- Consequences of Failed or Incomplete Verification
If identity verification cannot be completed, access to gambling services cannot be permitted. This applies regardless of the reason for the failure. Customers whose verification is incomplete or unsuccessful will be notified and given the opportunity to provide additional information or documentation where appropriate.
The company reserves the right to close or suspend an account where verification cannot be completed within a reasonable period, or where there are grounds to believe that false or misleading information has been provided.
- Regulatory Oversight
Identity verification procedures are subject to ongoing oversight by the UK Gambling Commission. The Commission may update its requirements, issue guidance, or amend the LCCP at any time. Where changes to regulatory requirements affect verification procedures, this document will be updated accordingly. Customers are advised to review this page periodically.
For further information about identity and age verification requirements in the UK gambling sector, the UK Gambling Commission publishes guidance for operators and players at www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk.