The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has known as on authorised individuals and business stakeholders to take part in newly launched EU consultations on anti-money laundering requirements that may have an effect on the gaming sector throughout the bloc.
AMLA Expands Oversight to Gaming Sector
The consultations had been opened by the European Union’s Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) and give attention to three draft Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS). These cowl buyer due diligence below Article 28(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1624), standards for figuring out enterprise relationships, occasional and linked transactions and figuring out decrease thresholds below Article 19(9) of the identical Regulation, and reporting materials weaknesses below Article 53(10) of the Anti-Money Laundering Directive (Directive (EU) 2024/1640), generally referred to as AMLD6.
The MGA described this section as a major legislative step, notably as a result of AMLA is now consulting the non-financial sector, together with gaming. The Authority highlighted that the continued shift towards a extra unified and risk-sensitive EU legislative framework creates a window for licensees to overview the proposed measures and submit suggestions reflecting operational realities in each on-line and land-based playing.
“Early and meaningful engagement is essential, as well-informed input can help ensure that the resulting technical standards remain proportionate, well-calibrated, and responsive to sector-specific risks,” the MGA stated.
“In view of the ongoing transition to a more unified and risk-sensitive EU legislation, this consultation phase offers licensees a valuable opportunity to familiarise themselves with the proposed measures and to contribute feedback that reflects operational realities within both the online and the land-based gambling sector.”
AMLA was established in 2024 to strengthen oversight and coordination throughout EU member states below the up to date anti-money laundering framework. Previous session rounds led by the European Banking Authority didn’t lengthen to non-financial sectors comparable to gaming. The present course of seeks to incorporate the angle of industries that function outdoors conventional banking buildings.
The draft requirements tackle three principal areas: enhanced buyer due diligence necessities, the definition and therapy of enterprise relationships and linked transactions, and obligations round reporting materials weaknesses. AMLA goals to refine these technical requirements earlier than ultimate adoption.
The MGA has inspired licensees to take part instantly via AMLA’s designated submission channels. According to the authority, two deadlines have been set: Monday, 9 March 2026, for suggestions on the draft RTS below Article 53(10) of AMLD6, and Friday, 8 May 2026, for submissions associated to Articles 28(1) and 19(9) of the AML Regulation.
The Authority additionally acknowledged that it stays obtainable to talk about sector-specific issues and invited members to share written suggestions instantly with the MGA to help its engagement at EU degree.
Risk Assessments Highlight Ongoing AML Exposure
The renewed give attention to the gaming sector aligns with broader issues about cash laundering dangers inside on-line playing markets. The Isle of Man’s latest National Risk Assessment rated each the general gaming sector and on-line playing as carrying a medium-high danger for cash laundering. The land-based sector obtained a medium-low ranking, reflecting decrease transaction volumes and smaller scale in contrast to iGaming.
The evaluation cited legal possession and management of playing companies via entrance corporations, exploitation by organised crime teams, notably from East and Southeast Asia, and using false or stolen identities to entry playing companies as contributing components.
It additionally famous the rising use of synthetic intelligence to facilitate fraud, together with deepfakes, identification obfuscation and automatic schemes designed to bypass verification programs.
On the findings, the Isle of Man’s Gambling Supervision Commission stated: “The GSC recognises the professional issues of licensed operators and stakeholders, lots of whom have seen rising uncertainty in markets and regulatory regimes.
“Work is already underway to strengthen our controls, improve oversight, and enhance cooperation across government, regulators, and industry. These findings will help ensure that the Isle of Man maintains a resilient, responsible, and internationally trusted gambling sector, aligned with our wider financial crime strategy.”
The MGA has framed the present EU consultations as a chance for operators to affect how related dangers are addressed throughout the EU framework. It warned that inadequate engagement may lead to technical requirements that don’t absolutely mirror how gaming companies function in observe.
