Why Do Online Casinos Ask For Proof Of Income?

If you’ve recently signed up with an online casino, you might be surprised to receive a request asking for details about your income. This can feel personal, especially if you’re not used to being asked for financial documents when playing games online.

In the UK, online casinos are required by law to follow strict rules that are designed to keep gambling fair, legal, and safer for everyone. One part of these rules involves checking where players’ money is coming from. These checks aren’t aimed at making things difficult for you—they’re in place to protect people and support responsible gambling practices.

This blog will explain why UK casinos may sometimes ask for documents like payslips or bank statements, what those checks mean, and how the process works. If you’re new to online gambling, you’ll also learn how these checks fit into the broader legal requirements all licensed casinos must meet before allowing you to play.

What Is a Source of Wealth Check?

A source of wealth check is when an online casino asks you to provide documents showing where your gambling funds are coming from. This is separate from the basic ID verification required when you first sign up. While verifying your identity confirms who you are and that you’re over 18, a source of wealth check goes further. It looks at how you’re funding your play.

These checks usually happen if you start depositing higher-than-usual amounts, or if your spending patterns change. For example, if someone deposits £2,000 over a short time period, the casino may ask for evidence to confirm that those funds are coming from a legitimate source such as a salary, pension, or savings.

The Gambling Commission—the body that regulates all gambling in Great Britain—requires casinos to carry out these checks in certain cases. They’re mainly used to try and prevent any criminal activity, like money laundering, and to support people who may be at risk of gambling-related harm. If you’re flagged for a source of wealth check, the casino is doing its job under UK law.

What Can You Use As Proof of Income For Online Casinos?

If a UK-licensed online casino asks for proof of income, there are several types of documents that may be accepted. What the casino needs to see is that the money being used to play comes from a lawful and consistent source.

Here are some examples of what you might be able to use:

• Payslips – These should be recent and clearly show your name, employer, and salary. Most casinos will ask for one or more documents dated within the last three months.
  
• Bank statements – These must show incoming payments, such as wages or pension contributions. Statements should also show your name and the account number. Some casinos may ask for up to three months’ worth.
  
• Self-employment records – If you’re self-employed, you might use a copy of your self-assessment tax return (SA302), a letter from your accountant, or recent business account statements.
  
• Proof of large one-off income – If your gambling funds come from selling a car, property, or something else valuable, you might need to provide a sales receipt, solicitor’s letter, or bank record of the deposit.
  
• Pension or benefit statements – These can also be accepted if they show regular income.

The documents you share must match the information you’ve provided to the casino. They’ll use this to check that your gambling activity is affordable and in line with your actual financial situation.

Reasons Why Online Casinos Ask For Proof of Income

Online casinos in the UK have to meet specific standards set by the Gambling Commission. Asking for proof of income isn’t about judging your financial decisions—it’s a legal requirement to help keep gambling safe, prevent misuse, and spot any potential signs of harm.

There are three key reasons why a casino might ask to see where your money comes from:

1. Legal obligations – Casinos must make sure money spent on gambling hasn’t come from illegal activity. This is part of anti-money laundering regulations, which apply to all UK-licensed gambling operators.
   
2. Safer gambling – If you’re spending in ways that don’t match normal patterns, or seem out of step with your known income, the casino may ask for documents to check whether gambling is still affordable for you. This isn’t about stopping you from playing, but about identifying potential risks early on.
   
3. Fair play and transparency – These checks help build a trustworthy gambling environment. They make sure all players are using their own funds and not gambling with money they can’t afford to lose.

It’s also worth noting that even if your deposits seem small, a casino may carry out these checks over time if your overall spending adds up. 

Is It Safe To Give Online Casinos Proof of Income?

It’s normal to feel cautious when you’re asked to share personal financial documents. However, if you’re playing with a UK-licensed online casino, the process is designed to be secure and confidential.

These casinos are regulated under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. That means they must store and process your information securely and only use it for lawful reasons—such as identity verification or affordability checks.

Before you upload anything, you can check that the casino is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Look for their licence number at the bottom of the site. You can also search for the casino on the Gambling Commission’s public register to make sure the licence is active.

Here are a few practical steps to help protect your documents:

• Use a watermark on digital copies that says “For casino verification only”. This can help prevent them being used elsewhere, even by mistake.
  
• Check the casino’s privacy policy – This should clearly explain how your information is collected, stored, and used.
  
• Avoid using unlicensed sites – These do not follow UK rules and offer less protection for your data and deposits.

All files you send are reviewed by trained staff within the casino’s compliance team. They won’t use your documents for advertising, and they’re not allowed to pass them to other companies without your permission.

Discover Online Casino Games at Ivy Casino

Ivy Casino is registered with the UKGC, which means it meets strict standards for safety and fairness. At Ivy Casino, you will find a range of popular online slots, where each game offers different features and styles, from simple three-reel games to ones packed with bonus features.

You may also come across table games at Ivy Casino, such as roulette and blackjack. These games follow clear rules, which can usually be found within the main game screen.

Before you try out any casino games, it may be a good idea to look at the paytable first. This shows how the game works, including which combinations may lead payouts and what features are included. Understanding the paytable can help you know what you might expect from the game.

Keep in mind that gambling involves risk, and outcomes are based on chance. It’s not a way to make money and is best enjoyed as a form of entertainment.

_{*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.}

_{**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.}