Why we verify every player
Identity checks are not the most exciting part of joining a casino, but they protect you, and they are a legal requirement. At Westio Casino we operate under a gaming licence covering Great Britain and follow UK Gambling Commission rules, which means we must confirm your age and identity before you play anything at all, including free spins. Nobody under 18 can gamble with us.
Verification, often called KYC (“know your customer”), also stops fraud, protects your payment methods and makes withdrawals faster later. Once you are verified, you rarely need to think about it again.
Stage one: the automatic electronic check
For most players, verification happens in the background within seconds of registering. When you sign up, we check your:
- full name
- date of birth
- residential address
against trusted electronic databases. If everything matches, your account is verified straight away and you can make your first deposit. There is nothing to upload.
The check can fail for ordinary reasons: you have recently moved, you used a nickname instead of your legal name, or there is a typo in your postcode. In that case we ask you to upload documents instead.
Stage two: uploading documents
If the electronic check cannot confirm your details, we will ask for the documents below. Upload them in My Account > Verification.
| What we need | Accepted documents | Key requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Passport, UK driving licence (photocard), national ID card | In date, all four corners visible, photo and text readable |
| Proof of address | Utility bill, council tax letter, bank statement | Dated within the last 3 months, shows your name and address |
| Card photo (card users) | Front of the Visa Debit or Mastercard Debit card you use | Only the first 6 and last 4 digits visible; cover the CVV |
| Source of funds (if requested) | Recent payslip, bank statement | Only at higher deposit levels, as part of affordability checks |
Tips for a first-time pass
- Use good light and a plain, dark background.
- Photograph the whole document. Cropped corners are the most common reason we reject an upload.
- Avoid flash glare across the photo or hologram.
- Upload a PDF of an online bank statement if you have one; screenshots that cut off the header can be rejected.
- Make sure the name on your account matches your ID and your payment method exactly.
Your payment method must be in your name
UK rules require that every deposit method belongs to the account holder. A partner’s debit card, a friend’s PayPal or a shared e-wallet cannot be used, even with permission. If the name on a payment method does not match your account, we will ask you to switch to one in your own name before any withdrawal.
When you send a card photo, cover the middle digits and the CVV on the back. We never need your full card number or security code, and we will never ask for them on live chat.
Source of funds and affordability checks
As your deposits grow, we may ask a few questions about affordability. This is part of our duty to make sure gambling stays within your means, not a judgement about you. We might ask for:
- a recent payslip
- a bank statement showing your income
- a short explanation of where deposited funds come from
We review these documents in confidence and only for this purpose. If we have concerns, we may suggest deposit limits or pause activity while we talk it through with you.
How long does verification take?
Electronic checks usually take seconds. Uploaded documents are normally reviewed within 24 hours, and often much faster. We email you as soon as the review is complete, and the status in My Account > Verification updates at the same time.
| Check | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Electronic check at registration | Seconds |
| Photo ID and proof of address review | Usually within 24 hours |
| Card photo review | Usually within 24 hours |
| Source-of-funds review | Depends on the documents; we keep you updated |
If something is unclear or a document is rejected, we tell you exactly why and what to send instead. It is worth completing verification early, because it keeps your first withdrawal moving without delay. Our withdrawals guide explains what happens after approval.
How we protect your documents
Your documents are uploaded over an encrypted connection and stored securely. Access is limited to the team that handles verification and compliance, and we keep records only for as long as UK law requires. We never share your documents with marketing partners.
Common verification questions
Can I play while my documents are being reviewed?
No. Under UK rules, verification must be complete before any play, including free spins. You can still browse the lobby and set up safer-gambling limits while you wait.
I have moved house recently. What should I send?
Send any accepted proof of address showing your new address dated within the last three months, then update your address in your account settings so future checks match.
My driving licence has my old address on it. Is that a problem?
Your photo ID is used to confirm who you are, so an old address on it is fine as long as your separate proof of address is current.
Need a hand?
Our support team is available 24/7 on live chat using the chat button in the bottom-right corner, or through the ticket form in our help centre. If verification ever feels stressful, remember our safer-gambling tools are always available: deposit and loss limits, reality checks, time-outs, self-exclusion and GAMSTOP, with free support from GamCare, BeGambleAware and Gordon Moody. Once you are verified, you can head to the cashier.
Website updated 14 October 2026
