AML/KYC Policy - Anti-Money Laundering and Identity Verification

This page outlines the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) policies that apply to online gambling operators featured on Chicken Road UK. Understanding these processes is essential for anyone participating in online gambling in the United Kingdom. These measures exist to protect you, to prevent financial crime, and to ensure that operators comply with UK law.

What Do AML and KYC Mean?

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) refers to the set of laws, regulations, and procedures designed to prevent criminals from disguising illegally obtained funds as legitimate income. In the context of online gambling, AML measures ensure that gambling platforms are not used as vehicles for laundering the proceeds of crime.

Know Your Customer (KYC) is the process by which gambling operators verify the identity of their customers. KYC checks are a core component of AML compliance and serve to confirm that players are who they claim to be, that they are of legal gambling age, and that their funds are from legitimate sources.

Together, AML and KYC form the backbone of a safe and transparent online gambling environment, protecting both operators and players from fraud, identity theft, and financial crime.

Why AML/KYC Is Important in Online Gambling

Online gambling presents unique challenges in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. The speed, volume, and anonymity of online transactions can make gambling platforms attractive to those seeking to launder illicit funds. For this reason, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) imposes strict AML obligations on all licensed operators.

KYC verification is equally important for player protection. It ensures that:

• Only individuals aged 18 or over can access gambling services
• Players are not gambling with stolen identities or fraudulent documents
• Problem gamblers who have self-excluded are prevented from creating new accounts
• Operators can identify and intervene when a customer's gambling behaviour suggests potential harm
• Funds deposited and withdrawn are from lawful sources

Failure to comply with AML/KYC requirements can result in significant penalties for operators, including fines, licence suspension, or revocation by the UKGC.

Required Documents and Verification Process

When you register with a UKGC-licensed gambling operator, you will be required to provide certain documents to verify your identity, age, and address. The specific documents requested may vary between operators, but typically include:

Proof of Identity (one of the following):

• Valid passport (UK or international)
• UK driving licence (full or provisional)
• National identity card (EEA countries)

Proof of Address (one of the following, dated within the last three months):

• Utility bill (gas, electricity, water, or landline telephone)
• Bank or building society statement
• Council tax bill
• Official correspondence from a government body (e.g., HMRC)

Proof of Payment Method:

• Screenshot or photograph of the debit card used for deposits (with the middle digits obscured for security)
• Screenshot of an e-wallet account showing your name and the registered email address
• Bank statement showing the account holder's name and account details

Source of Funds (if requested):

In certain circumstances, operators may request evidence of the source of your gambling funds. This may include payslips, tax returns, evidence of savings, or documentation relating to an inheritance, property sale, or investment income. This requirement is triggered by enhanced due diligence obligations, typically when deposits or wagering exceeds certain thresholds.

Verification Timeframes and Data Protection

Most operators aim to complete the KYC verification process within 24 to 72 hours of receiving the required documents. However, timeframes may vary depending on the volume of submissions and the complexity of the verification. During this period, certain account functions such as withdrawals may be restricted until verification is complete.

Some operators utilise automated verification systems that can confirm your identity within minutes by cross-referencing your details against public databases and credit reference agencies. In such cases, you may not need to submit physical documents unless the automated check is inconclusive.

All personal data and documents submitted during the KYC process are handled in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Operators are required to store your data securely, use it only for the purposes for which it was collected, and delete it when it is no longer needed. Your documents will typically be encrypted and stored on secure servers with restricted access.

You have the right to request information about what personal data an operator holds about you and to request its deletion in certain circumstances. For more information, please refer to our GDPR page.

UK Regulatory Framework

The AML/KYC obligations imposed on UK gambling operators are derived from several key pieces of legislation and regulatory guidance:

• The Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (MLR 2017): These regulations set out the obligations for businesses in regulated sectors, including gambling, to carry out customer due diligence, report suspicious transactions, and maintain adequate records.
• The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA): This Act establishes the criminal offences related to money laundering and requires businesses, including gambling operators, to report any knowledge or suspicion of money laundering to the National Crime Agency (NCA) through Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs).
• The Terrorism Act 2000: Imposes obligations to report any suspicion that funds may be connected to terrorist financing.
• UK Gambling Commission Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP): The UKGC's licence conditions require all operators to have effective AML policies and procedures in place, to conduct appropriate risk assessments, and to train staff in AML awareness.

The UK Gambling Commission works closely with other regulatory and law enforcement bodies, including the National Crime Agency, HM Revenue & Customs, and the Financial Conduct Authority, to ensure a coordinated approach to combating financial crime in the gambling sector.

If you have any questions about the AML/KYC processes described on this page, please do not hesitate to contact us via our Contact page.

Last updated: 12 February 2026