Age verification is the check that confirms you're 18 or over before a UK casino app lets you deposit, gamble or even open its free-to-play demo games. Operators usually confirm your date of birth automatically against databases at sign-up, and since 7 May 2019 they must finish the check before you play, not afterwards.
You must be 18+ and verified before you can deposit, gamble or play free demo games.
Since 7 May 2019 the check must happen first; operators used to have 72 hours.
App stores add their own layer: an 18+ rating on the App Store and PEGI 18 on Google Play.
Your verified age also sets your slot stake limit: £2 at 18–24, £5 at 25 and over.
Parents can add device controls such as Screen Time to block gambling apps.
Minimum age
18
Check required
Before deposit, gambling or free-to-play
In force
7 May 2019
App Store rating
18+ for real-money casino apps
Google Play rating
PEGI 18 on partner listings
What age verification means
Age verification is narrower than a full identity check. It answers one question: is this person at least 18? In UK casino apps it's normally the first part of KYC, the wider process that also confirms your name and address.
It's the gatekeeper for everything else in the app, including bonuses and demo games. The other account words are in our casino app glossary.
accessing free-to-play versions of gambling games.
Before then, operators had 72 hours to complete age checks, which meant someone could start playing before being confirmed as an adult. The change is set out on our age verification rules for casino apps page, and free-to-play game rules covers demos.
The layers of age verification on your phone
A casino app meets age controls at several points, not just at sign-up:
Where age checks and age limits apply to casino apps
Most of the time you won't notice it. When you register, the operator matches your name, address and date of birth against databases such as credit reference agencies and the electoral roll. If that doesn't confirm you, the app asks for a document such as a passport or driving licence.
Your date of birth doesn't stop mattering once you're in. Online slot stake limits depend on it: players aged 18 to 24 can stake at most £2 per game cycle, and those 25 and over at most £5. The £2 limit has applied since 21 May 2025 and the £5 limit since 9 April 2025. See slot stake limits.
Age also shapes marketing. The CAP Code's rule 16.3.14 says nobody who is, or seems to be, under 25 should be shown gambling or playing a significant role in a gambling ad, with a narrow exception on operators' own sites. The rest is covered in gambling advertising rules.
Keeping casino apps away from under-18s on a shared device
Operator checks stop a child opening an account, but a logged-in app on a shared phone is a different risk. These steps help:
Never share your casino login, and sign out of the app on a family device.
On iPhone, use Screen Time's Content & Privacy Restrictions to limit apps by age rating or block app installs.
On Android, use Digital Wellbeing app timers or Focus mode to pause gambling apps.
Consider a blocking tool such as Gamban across all household devices.
Talk openly with young people about gambling and in-game spending.
KYC: the fuller identity check that age verification belongs to.
Demo mode: free-to-play games, which still need age checks.
Stake limit: the slot cap that depends on your age.
Screen Time: Apple's device controls for families.
Partner apps: verify first, then the offer
Every partner app is rated for adults only, and you must pass age checks before depositing, so none of these offers is available until you're verified. All three are slot spin offers for new customers aged 18+, and terms apply.
Coral Casino: bet £10 on slots, get 100 free spins. You'll need a deposit (certain types excluded) and £10+ of slot stakes; spins are 10p each on selected games, with 48 hours to accept and 7 days to use, and no wagering on winnings. Neteller, PayPal, Paysafe, Skrill, prepaid cards and certain debit cards are excluded. 1 October 2026 to 1 February 2027.
Ladbrokes Casino: play £10 on slots, get up to 500 free spins, issued as 50 a day for 10 days at 10p on selected games. Claim before 23:59 each day; valid 7 days; no wagering. Prepaid cards, PayPal, Paysafe, Neteller, Skrill and Moneybookers deposits are excluded.
PlayOJO: 80 free spins on Big Bass Bonanza at 10p with a £10+ first deposit; winnings paid in cash, no wagering. New UK customers excluding Northern Ireland; can't be combined; designated offer link only.
Coral and Ladbrokes are both run by LC International Limited (Entain). If you already hold an account with one Entain brand, you may not be able to open another; check the terms first.
Significant terms: 18+. New players only. Offer runs 01/10/2026 to 01/02/2027. Deposit (certain types excluded) and bet £10+ on slot games to get 100 free spins (selected games, £0.10 each, 48 hrs to accept, valid 7 days). No wagering on free spin winnings. Deposits by Neteller, PayPal, Paysafe, Skrill, prepaid cards and certain debit cards do not qualify. Restrictions and T&Cs apply. GamCare.org.uk
Read our Coral app reviewLicence: LC International Limited, Gambling Commission account 54743. Offer checked 5 October 2026.
Time limitClaim daily for 10 days; each batch valid 7 days
Worked valueUp to 500 spins at £0.10 (up to £50 in spins)
Significant terms: 18+. New customers only, from 14/11/25 until further notice. Certain deposit methods excluded. Deposit and spend £10+ on slots for 50 free spins a day during the first 10 days after first deposit and registration (max 500, £0.10 each, selected games, claim before 23:59 each day, valid 7 days). No wagering. Prepaid cards, PayPal, Paysafe, Neteller, Skrill and Moneybookers deposits do not qualify. Restrictions and T&Cs apply. GamCare.org.uk
Read our Ladbrokes app reviewLicence: LC International Limited, Gambling Commission account 54743. Offer checked 5 October 2026.
Significant terms: 18+. New UK customers (excluding Northern Ireland). First deposit only. Minimum deposit £10. 80 free spins on Big Bass Bonanza, £0.10 each. No wagering requirements; winnings paid in cash. Cannot be used with any other offer. Only available to players who arrive through the designated offer link. Full T&Cs apply. GamCare.org.uk
Read our PlayOJO app reviewLicence: Skill On Net Limited, Gambling Commission account 39326. Offer checked 5 October 2026.
18+. Every casino game has a built-in house edge, so over time you should expect to lose what you stake. Set a budget before you play and stop when it’s gone: safer gambling tools and support. Free, confidential help: National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133.
Frequently asked questions
What age do you have to be to use a casino app in the UK?
You must be 18 or over. UK operators have to verify your age before you can deposit, gamble or play free demo versions of their games, and app stores rate real-money casino apps for adults only. Slot stake limits are lower for 18 to 24-year-olds. Our answer to what age you have to be to use casino apps gives more detail.
How do casino apps verify your age?
Usually automatically. At sign-up the operator checks your name, address and date of birth against databases such as credit reference agencies and the electoral roll. If that doesn't work, you'll be asked for a document such as a passport or driving licence. Our guide on how casino apps verify your identity walks through the process.
Why do free demo games need age verification?
Because the Gambling Commission's rules from 7 May 2019 require customers to be age-verified before accessing free-to-play versions of gambling games. The aim is to stop under-18s playing gambling-style games on licensed sites, even without money at stake. Our answer to what is demo mode on a casino app? explains how demos work once you're verified.
Can I use a casino app before my age is verified?
No. Since 7 May 2019, UK operators must complete age checks before you can deposit or gamble, including with a bonus. The old rule allowed 72 hours after opening an account. If verification hasn't finished, the app should tell you what's needed. Our guide to casino app verification failed covers what to do next.
Does my age affect what I can stake on slots?
Yes. Players aged 18 to 24 can stake at most £2 per game cycle on online slots, and players aged 25 and over at most £5. The limits apply to slots only, not roulette or blackjack. Operators use your verified date of birth to apply the right limit. The guide to slot stake limits on mobile explains how they show up in apps.
How can I stop my child using gambling apps?
Keep your casino login private and sign out on shared devices. On iPhone, Screen Time's content restrictions can limit apps by age rating or block installs; on Android, Digital Wellbeing timers and Focus mode can pause apps. A blocker such as Gamban can cover several devices. Our page on blocking gambling apps on iPhone gives the steps.
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