Gambling has always been a part of our history, but perhaps never more prevalent than in the last couple of decades as online gambling has become more widespread.
A few key differences between the two exist, naturally – they may not be able to provide the “classic” casino experience, but online casinos are available ‘round the clock and can include a greater variety of games since physical space isn’t a limitation.
In fact, you can even find BettingNonGamStop sites with no ID verification in the UK, which make the registration process that much faster.
It’s no wonder, then, that millions have begun to flock to these platforms. But with that rise has come an increased risk of data security, emphasising the need for identity verification all around.
A Rising Need For Identity Verification
The online gambling industry in particular is a lucrative target for cyber criminals, which comes as no surprise; casino sites are the gateway for valuable data like credit card numbers, crypto wallets, and bank accounts.
Online casinos constantly wage war against financial fraud and money laundering as cyber criminals attempt to exploit any of their vulnerabilities. Likewise, data breaches and system disruptions are both techniques used to access huge amounts of unauthorised user information and create financial loss for the operator.
Worse yet, these methods actually work; just in the last year, hackers stole billions in crypto in online schemes. And it’s not just new and smaller online casinos, either; in February 2020, guests of MGM Resorts hotels had their information stolen and sold on the dark web after a server misconfiguration allowed a hacker to steal it.
Even beyond fraud and money laundering concerns, it’s critical for online gambling sites to have protections in place to prevent underage gambling. If anyone can sign up for the website armed with anyone’s credit card, what else could stop a rogue child from losing all his parents’ money other than proof of age and identity?
How ID Verification Works In The UK
As part of the Gambling Act 2005, the UK Gambling Commission now requires all local betting platforms, including those online, to implement a Know-Your-Customer (KYC) procedure and receive proof of age and identity before a player may start gambling. Simply put, you have to prove you’re old enough to gamble.
Getting through the process itself is easy enough; the casino will request proof of age and identity (government-issued identification or passport) as well as proof of residence (recent utility bill from your household). In some cases, you may also be asked to supply proof of financial resources – namely, that you own the bank account you want to deposit from.
Some businesses may also ask for a selfie if they suspect any fraudulent activity.
How long verification takes, of course, depends; online gambling sites complete verification at their own speed and discretion, though it’s possible for electronic validation to complete instantly.
How Brits Benefit From ID Verification
Robust identity verification can feel like an obstacle when you’re eager to try an online casino site, but it nevertheless presents quite a few benefits that outweigh that thinking.
Above all, it’s an additional layer of security that protects players, and that ultimately builds trust between the member and a casino. Plus, it favours players in the cases of disputes; having verified your identity means there is a reliable record of activity and who you are, leading to fair resolutions.
As part of this regulatory compliance, which is a necessary part of maintaining a British licence to operate, online casinos verifying identities keep their players safe from their own vulnerabilities, too. AI and similar technologies monitor for unusual behaviour and bets alongside the provided responsible gambling tools.
Challenges Lie Ahead
Of course, obstacles still remain in the future for identity verification. There’s the continued challenge of identity thieves attempting to impersonate legitimate users, but even the very solution presents possible problems, too: Storing so much information means having a database of valuable data that can itself be stolen. It’s a delicate balancing task that must strictly adhere to privacy laws.
As online gambling continues to grow, showing absolutely no signs of slowing down, it’s more important than ever before for betting businesses to guarantee the integrity of the experience and their own reputations with more strongly implemented KYC procedures.
A more rigorous vetting process will ultimately foster a safer environment for everyone involved, as well as ensure a more responsible digital future for gambling and beyond.
