Updated money laundering rules: what has changed for checks when you sign up at a casino
Every UK casino has to check who you are before you can play, and part of the reason is money laundering law. That law changed this summer. Amendments to the Money Laundering Regulations took effect on 30 June 2026, and the Gambling Commission published a new money laundering risk assessment on 30 July. Most new players will not notice a difference, but here is what changed and how to make your checks quick.
By Ryan Jessop. Published .
Key points
- Amendments to the Money Laundering Regulations took effect for casinos on 30 June 2026, after Parliament approved them on 9 June.
- Thresholds once set in euros are now in sterling; the threshold for checks on one-off transactions is now £2,000.
- Extra checks now apply to transactions that are unusually complex or unusually large.
- The Gambling Commission published its 2026 money laundering risk assessment on 30 July 2026.
- Age and identity checks before you can deposit or play are unchanged.
- In force
- 30 June 2026
- Approved by Parliament
- 9 June 2026
- One-off transaction threshold
- £2,000
- Enhanced checks
- Unusually complex or large transactions
- Risk assessment
- 30 July 2026
- Applies to
- Remote and land-based casinos
What changed
| Area | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Currency of thresholds | Euros | Sterling: £2,000 for one-off transactions |
| Extra checks on transactions | Complex or unusually large | Unusually complex or unusually large |
| High-risk countries | FATF “call for action” and “increased monitoring” lists | FATF “call for action” list only, plus a risk-based view |
The Commission has said it will also update its guidance for casinos on when a business relationship begins.
What it means when you sign up
The checks you meet at registration come mainly from Gambling Commission rules: a casino must confirm you are 18 or over and verify your name, address and date of birth before you can deposit or play. That has not changed. The money laundering changes matter more later, if you deposit or withdraw large or unusual amounts, when a casino may ask where your money comes from. Our guides to verification documents and source-of-funds checks explain what may be asked for.
How to make your checks quick
- Register with your full legal name and the address on your bank statements.
- Deposit from a debit card or account in your own name.
- Have a recent bank statement or utility bill ready; see proof of address.
- Keep deposits within a limit you would be comfortable explaining.
How long verification takes shows typical timings at the five casinos we cover.
18+. Gambling should be entertainment, never a way to make money. Free, confidential help 24/7: National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133, or see our safer gambling page.
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Frequently asked questions
What changed in the Money Laundering Regulations in 2026?
From 30 June 2026, thresholds moved from euros to sterling, enhanced checks apply to unusually complex or large transactions, and the high-risk country definition narrowed to the FATF call-for-action list.
What is the £2,000 threshold?
The level at which casinos must carry out customer due diligence on a specific one-off transaction, now set in sterling.
Will I be asked for more documents at sign-up?
Not because of these changes. Age and identity checks before play are unchanged; extra questions are more likely with large or unusual payments.
Why do casinos check where my money comes from?
Money laundering law and Gambling Commission rules require it when spending or transactions suggest a risk.
Related pages
Sources
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