1. Purpose and legal basis
Hippodrome Casino operates under the regulatory framework established by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). As a condition of holding a remote gambling licence, the company is required to verify the identity of every customer before permitting any gambling activity. This obligation is set out in UKGC Licence Condition 17.1.1 and applies to all UK-licensed remote gambling operators.
The purpose of identity verification is to confirm that each customer is who they claim to be, that they are at least 18 years of age, and that their use of the platform is consistent with applicable legal requirements. Verification also supports obligations under anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) legislation, and assists in enforcing self-exclusion arrangements and responsible gambling measures.
No customer may gamble, access free-to-play gambling content, or deposit funds until identity verification has been completed to the standard required by the UKGC.
2. When verification is required
Identity verification is conducted before any gambling activity takes place, in line with current UKGC rules that removed the previous practice of allowing customers to play before completing verification checks.
Verification is required in particular:
- Before a customer is permitted to gamble for real money
- Before access is granted to free-to-play gambling content
- Before a deposit is accepted
- Before a withdrawal is processed
Where automated database checks are sufficient to confirm identity, the process may be completed without document uploads. Where database checks do not return a satisfactory result, or where enhanced due diligence is required, customers will be asked to provide supporting documentation.
3. Information and documents that may be requested
To establish and verify identity, Hippodrome Casino collects and checks at minimum a customer’s full legal name, current residential address, and date of birth, as required under UKGC rules.
Depending on the outcome of automated checks, one or more of the following documents may be requested.
Proof of identity (one document required):
- Valid passport
- UK driving licence (full or provisional)
- National identity card (EU/EEA issued)
- Armed forces identity card
Proof of address (one document required, dated within the last three months):
- Utility bill (gas, electricity, water, broadband)
- Bank or building society statement
- Council tax bill
- Mortgage statement
- Official government correspondence (for example, from HMRC or DWP)
Proof of payment method (where applicable):
- Partial image of debit card (with middle digits obscured)
- Bank statement showing relevant transactions
- Screenshot or summary of an e-wallet account
In some circumstances, a photograph of the customer holding their identity document, or a document accompanied by a handwritten note confirming the date, may also be requested. This is used to confirm that the document belongs to the person submitting it and to match the image to the account holder.
4. How identity is verified
Hippodrome Casino uses a combination of electronic database checks and document-based verification.
Electronic checks compare the details provided by the customer against independent data sources, including credit reference agency records and the electoral roll. The standard applied is a two-plus-two confirmation: at least one match on full name, date of birth, and current address, plus a second independent match on full name combined with either address or date of birth.
Where electronic checks alone are sufficient, no document upload is required. Where they are not, or where the level of risk associated with an account requires additional assurance, document submission will be requested.
Where photographic identification is provided, the image on the document is compared to the information held on the account. Biometric or liveness checks may be used where appropriate.
5. Customer obligations
Each customer is required to:
- Provide accurate and complete information at the point of registration
- Submit requested documents promptly when asked
- Notify the company if personal details change, including name or address
- Ensure that all documents submitted are genuine, current, and belong to the account holder
Providing false, altered, or third-party documents constitutes a breach of the applicable terms and conditions and may result in account suspension, forfeiture of funds, and referral to relevant authorities.
6. Timing of requests and withdrawal restrictions
Identity document requirements are not imposed solely at the point of withdrawal if those documents could reasonably have been requested at an earlier stage. However, if a legal obligation arises that requires the company to obtain new or additional information at the time of a withdrawal request, such information may be requested before processing the payment.
Accounts where verification has not been completed will not be permitted to withdraw funds under any circumstances.
7. Enhanced due diligence
In certain circumstances, enhanced due diligence (EDD) measures are required. These may be triggered by the size or frequency of deposits, patterns of activity, or other risk indicators identified during account monitoring. Where EDD applies, additional documentation relating to source of funds or source of wealth may be requested. Customers will be informed of what is required and how to provide it.
8. Age verification
The minimum legal age for gambling in the United Kingdom is 18 years. Age is verified as part of the standard identity verification process. No customer who cannot be confirmed as 18 or older will be permitted to access any gambling activity, including free-to-play content.
9. Data handling
Personal information and documents submitted for identity verification are processed in accordance with the Hippodrome Casino Privacy Policy and applicable UK data protection legislation. Documents are used solely for the purposes of identity verification, AML compliance, and regulatory record-keeping. Verification documents are not used for marketing purposes.
10. Contact and queries
For questions about the status of verification, the documents required, or the process in general, customers should contact the customer support team through the channels listed on the Contact page. Information about what may be required, under what circumstances, and how to submit it will be provided in advance where possible.