The Anti-Money Laundering Authority of the European Union (AMLA) has included the gambling industry in its consultation scope for the first time, seeking public comments on three draft technical standards for anti-money laundering. The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) calls on all licensees and industry stakeholders to actively participate, ensuring that the final technical standards reflect the actual operations of online and physical gambling. In plain terms, the EU is setting anti-money laundering rules for the gambling industry, and if you don't speak up now, you'll have to accept them as they are later. Want to know the latest trends in global gambling anti-money laundering regulation? PASA official website continues to track policy dynamics.
First, AMLA's consultation covers the gambling industry for the first time, focusing on three technical standards
This consultation, initiated by the European Union's Anti-Money Laundering Authority, revolves around three draft regulatory technical standards. The first involves customer due diligence requirements under Article 28(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering Regulation. The second focuses on the standards for identifying business relationships, occasional transactions, and related transactions under the same regulation, Article 19(9), and determining lower thresholds. The third concerns the obligation to report significant deficiencies under Article 53(10) of the Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AMLD6).
MGA points out that this is an important legislative stage, as AMLA includes the non-financial sector (including gambling) in the consultation scope for the first time. As the EU moves towards a more unified and risk-sensitive legislative framework, licensees have the opportunity to review the proposed measures and submit feedback reflecting the realities of online and physical gambling operations. MGA emphasizes that early and meaningful participation is crucial, and well-informed opinions help ensure that technical standards remain moderate, precisely calibrated, and responsive to industry-specific risks.
Second, clear timelines: two deadlines, direct submission to AMLA
MGA encourages licensees to participate directly through channels designated by AMLA. Two deadlines have been set: for the technical standards draft under AMLD6 Article 53(10), feedback must be submitted by March 9, 2026; for opinions on Anti-Money Laundering Regulation Articles 28(1) and 19(9), submissions are due by May 8, 2026. MGA is willing to discuss specific industry concerns and invites participants to provide feedback to MGA simultaneously to support its communication at the EU level.
Third, risk warning: Isle of Man assesses online gambling as medium-high risk
The focus on anti-money laundering risks in the gambling industry corresponds with the latest assessment results. The Isle of Man's recent national risk assessment rates the overall gambling industry and online gambling as medium-high risk, while physical gambling is rated as medium-low risk due to smaller transaction volumes and scale. The assessment points out that criminals control gambling enterprises through shell companies, the use of organized crime groups from East Asia and Southeast Asia, access to gambling services using false identities, and the growing threat of artificial intelligence fraud (such as deep fakes and identity confusion) are major risk factors. The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission states that it is strengthening controls, improving supervision, and deepening cooperation to ensure the industry remains resilient, responsible, and internationally trusted.
MGA views the current EU consultation as an opportunity for operators to influence the risk response framework, warning that insufficient participation may result in technical standards that do not fully reflect the actual operations of the gambling industry.
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This article is from "PASA-Global iGaming Leaders," a gambling industry news channel: https://t.me/pasa_news
Original in-depth gambling channel: https://t.me/gamblingdeep
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PASA official website: https://www.pasa.news
