Hollywoodbets automates player identity checks
Hollywoodbets adopts ClearStake’s ID by Bank verification system—an advanced compliance solution that strengthens customer due diligence across its UK iGaming platform. It allows players to confirm their identity directly through their bank app, removing time-consuming steps like the need to manually upload their documents. The system is built on an open banking infrastructure where it verifies player details within seconds, ensuring regulatory compliance while streamlining the customer’s journey.
ID by Bank aligns with the evolving UK Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements. As part of its regulations, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) mandates operators to verify identity, age, and source of funds before deposits, withdrawals, or even free-to-play access. Additionally, these safeguards are designed to prevent underage gambling, fraud, and money laundering.
From manual to automated verification
Traditionally, players submitted documents like passports, driver’s licences, or utility bills. Failure to do so could block their participation, especially if documents are not valid. But with the automated verification feature, it now eliminates this friction, reducing onboarding time and easing operational burdens.
Hollywoodbets’ integration of ClearStake’s ID by Bank system directly supports UKGC standards by confirming identity and age in seconds. The result: faster compliance and a smoother player experience.
As reported by several media outlets, Tyla Labuschagne, Compliance Manager at Hollywoodbets, emphasised that, “Customer due diligence is a critical part of operating responsibly. This solution improves compliance outcomes, streamlines operations, and removes bumps at key moments in the player journey.”
Staying ahead of regulatory change
UKGC rules are continuously evolving. Operators are advised to remain agile, while compliance solutions must adapt quickly to new AML and KYC requirements—ensuring strict adherence to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and open banking safeguards.
Between 2024 and 2025, the UK’s open banking ecosystem expanded rapidly under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Payment Systems Regulator, and CMA9—laying the groundwork for adoption across financial services and gambling.
Hollywoodbets is one of the first iGaming operators in the country to integrate ID by Bank, positioning itself as a compliance innovator. With its instant verification via bank apps, this reduces friction and reinforces its commitment to responsible gaming when compared to other competitors that still rely on manual uploads.
We’ve made regulatory changes aimed at increasing safety and consumer choice.
— Gambling Commission (@GamRegGB) May 1, 2024
To read about the changes in full, go to our website 💻 https://t.co/R25QtGZ5sI pic.twitter.com/eDYY8PlqPy
Beyond identity checks
By leveraging its bank data for risk profiling, Hollywoodbets aligns its responsible gaming initiatives more proactively than its peers. Operators now face a “perfect storm” of compliance demands, evolving fraud tactics, and rising customer expectations. Those adopting automated verification gain a competitive edge, as noted by Techopedia.
However, following the 2023 Gambling Act Review White Paper, the reforms in 2026 introduced Responsible Incentives and new deposit limits, resulting in operators needing to adjust how bonuses and financial protections are offered.
Additionally, enforcement now emphasises reducing gambling-related harm and ensuring customer control. But failures in AML and KYC may include significant financial penalties like in the case of Platinum Gaming Limited where it was fined £10 million ($12.7 million) in 2025. Fines today regularly exceed £1 million ($1.23 million) with reputational damage compounding the cost, as mentioned by UKGC.
The trend continues as open banking identity verification is reshaping not only iGaming, but also other sectors like financial services, fintech, and retail. Across industries, bank-verified checks are streamlining onboarding, reducing fraud, and building customer trust.
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