UK online gambling operators are facing tough new rules for verifying the age of their customers and restrictions on demanding further identification before processing customer withdrawals.

On Thursday, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) released its new customer identity verification rules, which will take effect on May 7. The new requirements are part of the regulator’s three-year plan to ensure a ‘fairer and safer’ gambling environment for UK consumers.

The old rules allowed operators a 72-hour window in which to conduct age-verification checks. Operators must now ensure a new customer is of legal gambling age before allowing that customer to deposit funds into their account or make any bet, whether that bet is made using the customer’s own money or funds provided via a free bet or bonus.

The new age-verification rules similarly apply to the free-to-play gambling products on operators’ websites. The UKGC acknowledges that these products “are not technically gambling” but holds the view that there’s “no legitimate reason” why such products should be available to minors.