Customer Support - What is an affordability check?
What is an affordability check?
This is an industry-wide check based on guidance from our regulator (the UKGC) to check a player's source of funds. This allows us to ensure our players are safe on-site and playing sustainably.
Why are affordability checks carried out?
Gambling is regulated in the United Kingdom, meaning operators must be licensed and meet strict regulatory requirements. Affordability checks are put into place based on guidance from our regulators.
Whilst regulations must be satisfied, our number one priority is player safety. We want a healthy environment where you can enjoy playing poker sustainably.
How will I know if I need to complete an affordability check?
Players can be asked to complete an affordability check at any time. A request to upload your documents will appear when you attempt to deposit. Alternatively, you may be requested to email these documents to our GGCares team.
What documents do you need to see?
You must show you can afford to play safely and sustainably and provide information about your income and overall financial position. If you send bank statements, these must be for the account where your salary is received.
I’m employed. What kind of documents do I need to provide for an affordability check?
We would require your last three months of bank statements in PDF format, displaying your income with running and ending balances visible. Any additional documentation, such as payslips, would help with this process.
I’m self-employed. What kind of documents do I need to provide for an affordability check?
We can accept three months of personal bank statements as long as they show your primary source of income. Bank statements in the name of a company cannot be accepted.
We would also require any documentation that could help us understand the source of your income, such as dividend statements, invoices, or any documents that clarify how you fund your account.
I’m a full-time poker player. What kind of documents do I need to provide for an affordability check?
If you are a professional poker player, we can accept three months of bank statements showing your poker winnings from that period in PDF format. Please include any additional information concerning the source of your poker winnings. If you have any earnings from live events, please include evidence such as Hendon Mob.
Can I edit my documents only to show certain information/transactions?
Unfortunately not. We require full unredacted statements, which we know can seem intrusive.
You can redact some personal details, like account numbers. Please don't worry- all documents are used only for their intended purpose and are reviewed with the utmost privacy.
I’m staked by someone else. How do I complete an affordability check?
If you are being staked, please send us a document outlining the agreement with your backer in an email to [email protected], and our team will be ready to talk you through the process.
We may also require some information from your backer about the source of the funds used to stake you and your personal bank statements.
Do I need to complete an affordability check more than once?
We can’t say whether you will be asked to complete an affordability check more than once.
We may need to request up-to-date documents to ensure your level of play remains sustainable.
Do all players need to complete an affordability check?
Players can be asked to complete an affordability check anytime, per UK regulations.
What will happen if I refuse to submit documentation?
If you cannot or do not wish to submit documents, you won’t be able to deposit funds until the affordability check has been completed.
How long do affordability checks take?
We aim to complete these checks within 72 hours of receiving documentation, but sometimes it may take longer depending on our volume of contacts.
My affordability check has been declined. Why?
Your affordability check can only be accepted if your documents show you can play safely and sustainably. We make all decisions based on the information provided.
Our number one priority is protecting our players from gambling-related harm. The more info you provide about your affordability, the more accurate of an assessment we can make
How do you decide how much I can afford?
Decisions are made based on the documentation provided, which considers your income and other financial factors. We must ensure your deposit amount is affordable and you are playing within your means.
What is the difference between a deposit limit increase and an affordability check?
An affordability check and a deposit limit increase are similar regarding required documentation. However, they are independent of one another.
We must complete affordability checks to ensure we're meeting guidelines set out to us by our regulator, whereby a player's source of funds and affordability are checked to ensure they are playing sustainably and safely on site.
A deposit limit increase is when a player requests to increase their limits above the default maximum deposit limits. Document reviews are carried out to confirm a player can play sustainably above these limits.
For example
Your maximum default limits are as follows
- $200 per 24 hours
- $300 per 7 days
- $400 per 30 days
And you want to increase these limits to:
- $400 per 24 hours
- $500 per 7 days
- $600 per 30 days
We require your bank statements for the last three months to confirm that you can play sustainably at your requested higher limits.
I was approved for a deposit limit increase over a year ago. Why am I being asked to provide documentation again?
You will be asked to provide documentation when you request to increase your deposit limits and an affordability check.
We may ask you to update your affordability documents anytime, as circumstances and regulatory requirements can change.
My affordability check has been declined, but I disagree with your decision. What happens now?
If you feel our decision does not reflect your financial position and wish to provide further documentation, that would give a more accurate picture. Please send these documents along with any information you feel is relevant to [email protected]