Know Your Customer (KYC) verification is a legal requirement for all licensed betting sites, including the foreign bookmakers popular with Irish players. It is not a bureaucratic obstacle — it is a condition of the anti-money laundering (AML) regulations that allow these sites to operate legally across the EU. Getting it done quickly means you can withdraw your winnings without delays. This guide walks you through the process as of 2026.
Documents Required
Foreign bookmakers operating under licences such as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) are legally required to verify the identity of all customers. The documents they request fall into three categories:
1. Photo ID — A valid passport or national driving licence. The document must be current (not expired), and the name must exactly match what you entered when creating your account. A driving licence can be used in most cases, but some operators require a passport for higher withdrawal limits.
2. Proof of Address — A utility bill (electricity, gas, broadband) or a bank statement issued within the last three months. The document must show your full name and current address. Mobile phone bills are accepted by some operators but rejected by others — a bank statement is the safest choice.
3. Payment Method Verification — If you deposited by card, the site may ask for a photo of the front of the card (with the middle eight digits obscured). For e-wallets like PayPal or Revolut, a screenshot of your account showing your name and account number is usually sufficient.
Step-by-Step Submission
The exact process varies slightly by bookmaker, but the general flow is consistent across all regulated foreign sites:
- Log in to your account and navigate to your account settings or profile section. Look for a "Verification", "Documents", or "KYC" section — it is usually in the account menu or cashier area.
- Scan or photograph your documents. Use your phone camera in good natural lighting. The entire document must be visible, all four corners in frame, with no glare obscuring text. A flat surface works better than holding the document in the air.
- Upload each document to the designated field. Most sites accept JPG, PNG, or PDF. File size limits are usually 5–10 MB per document — a phone photo is nearly always within this limit.
- Wait for confirmation. You will receive an email acknowledging receipt of your documents. Some sites show a status tracker in your account.
- Check your email within 24–48 hours. If approved, you will receive confirmation and your withdrawal limit will be updated. If rejected, the email will state the reason and you can resubmit.
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Visit Betlabel 18+ | Gambling involves risk | Play responsiblyCommon Issues and Solutions
Most verification failures are preventable. Here are the issues that cause the most delays — and how to avoid them:
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Blurry image | Phone camera out of focus or document moved during capture | Take the photo in daylight on a flat surface; tap to focus before shooting |
| Expired document | ID or proof of address is out of date | Use a current document; proof of address must be within 3 months |
| Name mismatch | Account registered with a nickname or shortened name | Contact support to update your account name before resubmitting |
| Wrong document type | Submitting a mobile bill when bank statement is required | Use a bank statement — accepted everywhere |
| Partial document visible | Corners cut off in the image | Ensure all four corners and edges of the document are fully visible |
If you have submitted correct documents and verification is taking longer than 48 hours, contact the bookmaker's customer support with your account reference. Most support teams respond within a few hours via live chat.
Related Pages
- How to Register at a Foreign Betting Site — full guide hub including registration and deposit steps
- How to Transfer Winnings — what to do once you are verified and ready to withdraw
- Safety and Security at Foreign Bookmakers — data privacy, secure deposits, and player protections
- Best Foreign Betting Sites for Irish Players — our ranked list
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need to verify at a foreign bookmaker?
You typically need a government-issued photo ID (passport or driving licence), a proof of address dated within three months (utility bill or bank statement), and sometimes a photo or scan of the payment method you used to deposit. Requirements vary slightly by operator.
How long does KYC verification take at a foreign betting site?
Most verification is completed within 24 to 48 hours once all documents have been correctly submitted. Some operators complete it within an hour during business hours. Delays usually occur when documents are unclear or additional checks are required.
Why was my KYC verification rejected?
Common reasons include blurry or low-quality images, expired documents, a name on the account that does not exactly match the ID, or a proof of address that is older than three months. Resubmit with a clear, in-date document that matches your account details exactly.
Do I need to verify my identity before I can withdraw?
Yes — all regulated bookmakers require identity verification before processing withdrawals. While you can usually deposit and place bets before verification, most sites will request documents when you attempt your first withdrawal or if your account reaches a certain balance threshold.