Under the new rules, operators will need to confirm customers' age and identity before the previous 72-hour window.

The operator will not be able to allow customers to withdraw any kind of winnings until age verification has been completed. Return stakes will be refunded back to the customer if they are found to be under the age of 18.

The Gambling Commission claims its new changes will also help the operator, as it will be able to detect criminal actiivity faster than before.

The new regulations will be implemented on 7 May.

Neil McArthur, Gambling Commission Chief Executive, said: "These changes will protect children and the vulnerable from gambling-related harm, and reduce the risk of crime linked to gambling.

"They will also make gambling fairer by helping consumers collect their winnings without unnecessary delay."