Crypto gambling has grown in popularity over the years, but several countries have yet to fully embrace it, including the UK. British customers are currently not allowed to place bets using cryptocurrency, which means licensed operators offering crypto gambling must block UK players from entering their respective online platforms.
However, an investigation conducted by the Observer has discovered that UK punters, especially those under 18, were able to register and place wagers using digital currency on the fast-growing crypto gambling site Stake.com, the newest sponsor of Everton FC.
Lax Controls
The Observer managed to gain access to Stake.com’s crypto gambling platform by using a virtual private network (VPN), despite the online gambling firm earlier claiming it had “stringent” processes in place to prevent players from bypassing country restrictions through VPNs.
Investigators also discovered that Stake.com’s age-verification process can be circumvented. The ID requirement proved useless as the team was able to have their age verified by only uploading a picture of a packet of Strepsils, a brand of throat lozenges, instead of a valid ID. The reporters proceeded to purchase crypto via the site and then deposited the digital assets in a wagering account. They were then allowed to gamble on the platform.
Stake.com Insists it Remains Legally Compliant
Stake.com was only able to detect that a fake ID was used during registration after more than 48 hours. The account used by the Observer was then suspended. The company defended its processes, saying it implements strict registration measures and anti-money laundering controls to remain compliant with the rules.
