Licensed UK betting apps have strong security measures that are strictly regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). These features are designed to protect users' personal data, financial information and ensure responsible gambling.
Key security features
Licensing and regulation
Key security features
Licensing and regulation
- UKGC license: The most fundamental security feature is the operator's license from the UK Gambling Commission. A license indicates that the operator follows strict technical and operational standards and is subject to regular audits.
- Annual audits: UKGC license holders must undergo an annual third-party security audit against sections of the ISO/IEC 27001 standard. These audits review the protection of sensitive customer data, gambling history, and critical communication networks.
- Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption: Apps use the latest SSL encryption technology to convert user data into an unreadable code. This prevents sensitive personal and financial information from being intercepted during transmission.
- GDPR compliance: Betting operators must adhere to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which governs how they collect, process, and retain your personal data.
- Identity verification: Before you can gamble or withdraw funds, operators must verify your age and identity to prevent fraud and gambling by minors. This "Know Your Customer" (KYC) process requires you to provide documents like a passport, driving license, or utility bill.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA): Many licensed apps offer 2FA, which requires a second form of verification (like a code sent to your phone or generated by an app) in addition to your password.
- Biometric login: Many apps allow for quick and secure login via Touch ID or Face ID on compatible mobile devices.
- Strong password enforcement: The UKGC and app operators recommend and often require complex passwords to protect your account.
- Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS): Operators that process payment cards are required to comply with PCI DSS standards. This provides a secure environment for processing and storing credit and debit card information.
- Secure payment methods: Apps offer a range of secure payment options, including encrypted debit card transactions and e-wallets like PayPal and Apple Pay, which add an extra layer of security.
- Protection of funds: Customer funds are held in segregated accounts, legally separate from the company's operating funds. This ensures that your money is protected in the event of the company's insolvency.
- Player protection checks: Operators are required to conduct "frictionless" checks on high-spending customers to identify those at risk of incurring harmful losses. These checks happen in the background and only become more detailed if financial harm is indicated.
- Deposit and spending controls: All licensed apps must provide tools for customers to set their own deposit limits, loss limits, and timeouts to control their spending.
- Self-exclusion schemes: Apps must support the national GamStop self-exclusion scheme, which allows users to voluntarily ban themselves from all participating gambling sites and apps.
- Access to support: All operators must provide easily accessible links to responsible gambling resources and support organizations like GamCare and BeGambleAware.