The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has called on authorised persons and industry stakeholders to participate in newly launched EU consultations on anti-money laundering standards that will affect the gaming sector across the bloc.

AMLA Expands Oversight to Gaming Sector

The consultations were opened by the European Union’s Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) and focus on three draft Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS). These cover customer due diligence under Article 28(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1624), criteria for identifying business relationships, occasional and linked transactions and determining lower thresholds under Article 19(9) of the same Regulation, and reporting material weaknesses under Article 53(10) of the Anti-Money Laundering Directive (Directive (EU) 2024/1640), commonly referred to as AMLD6.

The MGA described this phase as a significant legislative step, particularly because AMLA is now consulting the non-financial sector, including gaming. The Authority highlighted that the ongoing shift toward a more unified and risk-sensitive EU legislative framework creates a window for licensees to review the proposed measures and submit feedback reflecting operational realities in both online and land-based gambling.

“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 said.

“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 across EU member states under the updated anti-money laundering framework. Previous consultation rounds led by the European Banking Authority did not extend to non-financial sectors such as gaming. The current process seeks to incorporate the perspective of industries that operate outside traditional banking structures.

The draft standards address three main areas: enhanced customer due diligence requirements, the definition and treatment of business relationships and linked transactions, and obligations around reporting material weaknesses. AMLA aims to refine these technical standards before final adoption.

The MGA has encouraged licensees to participate directly through AMLA’s designated submission channels. According to the authority, two deadlines have been set: Monday, 9 March 2026, for feedback on the draft RTS under Article 53(10) of AMLD6, and Friday, 8 May 2026, for submissions related to Articles 28(1) and 19(9) of the AML Regulation.

The Authority also stated that it remains available to discuss sector-specific concerns and invited participants to share written feedback directly with the MGA to support its engagement at EU level.

Risk Assessments Highlight Ongoing AML Exposure

The renewed focus on the gaming sector aligns with broader concerns about money laundering risks within online gambling markets. The Isle of Man’s recent National Risk Assessment rated both the overall gaming sector and online gambling as carrying a medium-high risk for money laundering. The land-based sector received a medium-low rating, reflecting lower transaction volumes and smaller scale compared to iGaming.

The assessment cited criminal ownership and control of gambling businesses through front companies, exploitation by organised crime groups, particularly from East and Southeast Asia, and the use of false or stolen identities to access gambling services as contributing factors.

It also noted the growing use of artificial intelligence to facilitate fraud, including deepfakes, identity obfuscation and automated schemes designed to bypass verification systems.

On the findings, the Isle of Man’s Gambling Supervision Commission said: “The GSC recognises the legitimate concerns of licensed operators and stakeholders, many of whom have seen growing 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 current EU consultations as an opportunity for operators to influence how similar risks are addressed within the EU framework. It warned that insufficient engagement could result in technical standards that do not fully reflect how gaming businesses operate in practice.