Why does an online casino need to verify your identity? KYC in Belgium explained
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8 Sep 2026 •
Reading time: 3 minutes
In Belgium, identity verification is now one of the essential steps for accessing online gambling. Since 1 May 2025, players must have their identity verified before they can deposit money or start playing.
Why does an online casino want to know who you are?
When a player opens an account at a Belgian online casino, the information they provide is not used solely to create a profile. The operator must also be able to ensure that the person using the account is actually who they claim to be.
This is the principle behind the procedure commonly referred to by the acronym KYC, which stands for ‘Know Your Customer’.
These measures, introduced in Belgium in May 2025, serve several purposes. Firstly, they aim to limit the risks of fraud and identity theft. The checks must ensure that deposits and bets are made by the genuine account holder.
Verification also contributes to stricter regulation of online gambling. The Gaming Commission aims to enhance player safety and improve the monitoring required to prevent excessive or problematic gambling behaviour. Operators, for their part, must have systems in place to carry out these checks.
Two verification methods
Among the solutions for confirming one’s identity is itsme, the digital identification app widely used in Belgium.
This method is quick and secure and is available on most licensed online gambling platforms. It allows players to confirm their identity digitally without having to scan their identity card.
Players can also use their Belgian electronic identity card. This verification may require a suitable reader. Where the platform allows it, a scanned image of the identity card may also be used.
Why can verification be problematic?
A verification procedure necessarily relies on the consistency of the information used to identify the player.
Check that the personal details on your account are up to date. Also check the status of the itsme app or that the electronic identity card is working properly, depending on the method you have chosen.
The customer service team at the online casino where you are registered can also help you if you encounter any problems.
Does the bank account have to be in the player’s name?
The online casino you are playing at may ask you to prove that the bank account belongs to you. To do this, you can send a bank statement, a photo of your bank card or a bank account details certificate.
What happens to the personal data used for verification?
All legal Belgian online casinos must comply with the GDPR. Your personal data is therefore stored securely.
KYC has become a key part of online gambling in Belgium
Identity verification is no longer just a formality when using an online casino in Belgium. Above all, it confirms that the person depositing money and playing is indeed the account holder, whilst helping to combat fraud and identity theft.
Before playing, it is therefore good practice not only to verify your identity and the details registered on your account, but also to check the terms and conditions of the relevant operator. Ultimately, KYC is based on a fairly simple rule: a player’s account must be verifiably linked to the person using it.