It’s a question many players ask: if you win at an online casino but can’t collect your winnings yourself—perhaps due to illness, travel, or other reasons—can someone else do it on your behalf?
This topic often raises concerns around identity verification, security, and following the rules set by both the casino and UK law. It can be especially confusing if you’re new to online gambling or unfamiliar with how these processes work.
To help clear things up, we’ll explain who is allowed to collect winnings, what the official rules say, and what you might want to consider if you find yourself in this situation. Read on to find out more.
Why Are Casinos So Strict With Your ID?
Online casinos in the UK have to follow strict rules when it comes to verifying who is using their services. This process, known as verification, plays an important role in keeping the games safe and fair.
One of the key reasons for verification is to make sure that all players are at least 18 years old. It also helps casinos comply with the legal requirements set by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and prevents unauthorised access to accounts, whether by accident or with dishonest intent.
By confirming each player’s identity, casinos can reduce the chance of fraud and help prevent criminal activities like money laundering. This not only protects the casino but also players and ensures support is available when it’s needed.
Typically, if you join an online casino, you’ll be asked to provide documents such as a passport or driving licence, and sometimes proof of your address. While these checks might feel a little intrusive, they’re in place to safeguard everyone involved in the gaming experience.
What If You Forgot Your ID or Don't Have ID?
If you’re unable to provide ID, it can affect your ability to withdraw any winnings, as online casinos are legally required to confirm your identity before they can release funds.
That said, if you don’t have standard forms of ID—like a passport or driving licence—some casinos may accept alternative documents. This might include a recent utility bill, a bank statement, or another piece of official paperwork. Each casino has its own list of accepted documents, so you might want to check in with customer support to see what’s possible if you’re thinking of joining a casino.
Without valid identification, if you have winnings to withdraw, your withdrawal will usually be paused until the right documents are submitted and approved. These steps are in place to meet UK regulations and help keep the gambling environment safe and secure for everyone.
If you’re thinking about signing up, it’s worth having your documents ready in advance to avoid any delays later on. And if you're unsure about what you need, most casino support teams are happy to guide you through the process.
Who Can Collect Casino Winnings?
Only the account holder is allowed to collect casino winnings. Both online and land-based casinos in the UK enforce this rule.
The reason, as explained previously, is to prevent fraud and to ensure that the right person is being paid. Even with permission, casinos cannot pay out winnings to anyone except the named account holder.
No friend, relative, or any other person may collect on a player’s behalf. If you’re unsure or your situation seems unusual, it’s worth reading the specific terms and conditions or speaking directly to customer support to understand what’s possible.
How Long Will a Casino Hold Your Winnings?
If you’ve had a win, your money will usually stay in your online casino account until you choose to make a withdrawal. There isn’t a fixed rule across all sites for how long your winnings can sit there—it depends on the casino’s own terms and whether your account is fully verified.
In some cases, a casino might apply an inactivity fee if your account hasn’t been used for a while, typically after 12 months of no activity. If you haven’t logged in or played for a long time, the casino may try to contact you, or you might notice changes to your account. You might want to check the site’s terms and conditions for details on how they handle inactive accounts and funds.
If your ID hasn’t been verified yet, your winnings will be held until the necessary checks are completed. To avoid any unexpected delays, it helps to keep your account information up to date and check in regularly, especially if you’re planning to make a withdrawal.
What IDs Do UK Casinos Accept?
If you’re playing at a UK-licensed online casino and want to make a withdrawal, you’ll need to confirm your identity first. This step is part of legal requirements designed to keep online gambling safe and secure.
Typically, you’ll be asked to provide one form of photo ID, such as:
-
A valid passport
-
A full UK driving licence
-
A government-issued ID card or official letter
To prove your address, most casinos will also ask for a recent document in your name, like a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last three months.
Each casino might have slightly different requirements, so if you’re unsure, it’s always worth reaching out to their support team. Having your documents ready in advance can help make the process smoother and reduce delays when it comes time to withdraw anything you might win.
Your Rights When Cashing Out
If you’ve met the terms and completed the necessary checks, you have the right to withdraw your winnings, if you have any, from a UK online casino. Your payout will always be sent directly to the name registered on your account—never to someone else. This isn’t just for security; it’s also a legal requirement to help protect you and prevent fraud.
Each casino sets out its own rules around things like withdrawal times, limits, and any fees. These should be clearly explained in the terms and conditions, or you can ask the support team if you’re unsure.
If you ever run into difficulties getting your money, you can raise a complaint through the casino’s official process. And if that doesn’t resolve the issue, you have the option to take it further by contacting an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) provider.
To help things go smoothly, make sure your account details are up to date and that you understand how withdrawals work at your chosen casino. If everything’s in order, cashing out should be a straightforward and secure process.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.