# Verifying your age and identity in a betting app

> How age and identity checks work when you open a betting app account in Ireland: what to prepare, the steps, what the law requires and what to do if you are refused.

Source: https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/verify-age-and-identity-in-a-betting-app/
Updated: 2026-11-07

You verify your age and identity in a betting app by entering your details at sign-up and uploading the documents the operator asks for. Irish law requires a licensed operator to check your identity and age before it opens your account (s.169, in force since 5 February 2026). Nobody under 18 may take part (s.158).

## What to have ready

- A phone with the app installed from the App Store or Google Play ([iPhone steps](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/install-a-betting-app-on-iphone/), [Android steps](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/install-a-betting-app-on-android/)).
- Your full name, date of birth and home address, spelled as on your documents.
- A photo document that shows your date of birth.
- A document that shows your address.
- A bank statement from the last 6 months.

The last three items match the additional verification method in S.I. No. 315/2026, made on 6 July 2026. Which documents a given operator accepts: Not checked.

**In short:** have your name, date of birth, address and documents ready before you register.

## The five steps

1. **Check the licence.** Follow the [licence check](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/check-a-betting-app-licence/) before you register.

  - Result: you know the licensee name and number.
  - Common mistake: registering first and checking later.

2. **Enter your details.** Use your legal name, date of birth and address as on your documents.

  - Result: the operator can match you to your documents.
  - Common mistake: a nickname, an old address or a typo in the date of birth.

3. **Upload your documents.** Use the upload screen inside the app, or on the operator's own site opened from the store listing.

  - Result: the operator can start its check.
  - Common mistake: sending ID by email or message to someone who contacted you first. See the [red flags](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/fake-betting-app-red-flags/).
  - Where the upload screen sits in each app: Not checked.

4. **Wait for the result.** The law puts the check before the account opens (s.169).

  - Result: the account opens, or the operator asks for more.
  - Common mistake: opening a second account with different details while the first is pending.
  - Timescale: Not checked. Quote only what the operator publishes.

5. **Set your limit before you deposit.** Follow the [deposit limit steps](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/set-a-deposit-limit-in-a-betting-app/).

  - Result: your own cap is in place. Operators must let you set a limit (s.164).
  - Common mistake: depositing first and meaning to set a limit later.

**In short:** licence first, exact details, upload inside the app, then set a limit.

## What the law requires

**Identity and age rules for licensed operators. Source: Gambling Regulation Act 2024; S.I. No. 315/2026 · checked 7 November 2026**

| Rule | What it says | Status |
|---|---|---|
| s.158 | A child (under 18) may not take part in gambling. | In force since 5 February 2026 |
| s.169 | The operator verifies identity and age before it opens an account. | In force since 5 February 2026 |
| S.I. No. 315/2026 | Sets an additional verification method for operators (see the list above). | Made on 6 July 2026 |

These duties fall on operators, not on this site. The wider legal picture is on [what the law requires before an account opens](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/age-and-id-checks-before-an-account-opens/).

**In short:** the check comes before the account, and under-18s are barred.

## If it does not work

- **Documents rejected.** Compare each detail with the document. Ask the operator's support, in writing, what is missing. Keep the reply.
- **You are under 18.** The law bars you. Do not try another operator.
- **No reply, or you disagree.** Follow the order in [complaining about a betting app](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/complain-about-a-betting-app/).

How long it takes: Not checked. We quote a timescale only where the operator publishes one.

**In short:** ask in writing, keep the reply, then escalate in order.

## How we checked

- Law: ss.158 and 169 and S.I. No. 315/2026, read on the Irish Statute Book.
- Still to capture: the documents, upload screens and timescales that three operators publish. Source: their help pages, with the date.
- We did not open accounts or upload documents to test any service.

**In short:** the law is sourced; operator details are not checked yet.

## What changed

- 7 November 2026: first version of this page.

**In short:** no earlier versions exist.

## Related questions

**Can I open a betting app account if I am under 18?** No. The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 bars anyone under 18 from taking part (s.158), and an operator must check identity and age before it opens an account (s.169).

**Does this website check my identity?** No. We are not a betting operator and take no bets. We do not ask for or store identity documents.

**Where can I see the law on identity and age checks?** The Gambling Regulation Act 2024, ss.158 and 169, and S.I. No. 315/2026 on the Irish Statute Book. Our summary is on [age and ID checks before an account opens](https://beforeyouinstall.com/guides/age-and-id-checks-before-an-account-opens/).

18+ only. Gambling can be addictive – play responsibly. Set limits, take breaks and never bet more than you can afford to lose. Free 24/7 support: 1800 936 725 · gamblingcare.ie. More on [responsible gambling](https://beforeyouinstall.com/responsible-gambling/).

**In short:** 18+ only; help is free and open 24/7.

## FAQ

**Can I open a betting app account if I am under 18?**

No. The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 bars anyone under 18 from taking part (s.158), and an operator must check identity and age before it opens an account (s.169).

**Does this website check my identity?**

No. We are not a betting operator and take no bets. We do not ask for or store identity documents.

**Where can I see the law on identity and age checks?**

The Gambling Regulation Act 2024, ss.158 and 169, and S.I. No. 315/2026 on the Irish Statute Book. Our summary of the law is on the page about age and ID checks before an account opens.