Crucial update to EGBA AML guidelines

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) is preparing to align its anti-money laundering (AML) guidelines with the new EU regulatory framework. With the Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism Regulation (AML/CFT) about to come into force, the association is strengthening its policy for a more transparent and secure iGaming industry.

Although its guidelines have not been revised since March 2023, the EGBA has announced that an updated version will be adopted by 2026. The aim is to incorporate the enhanced requirements of the new European standards on the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing.

New EU legislation

The European regulation, published in June 2024, introduces several major changes:

• The creation of the Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA), based in Frankfurt, which from mid-2025 will supervise high-risk entities, including non-financial operators.
• Mandatory transparency on user identification criteria and the reporting of suspicious transactions.
• Specific measures governing the use of crypto-assets, which will now be subject to tighter supervision.

These reforms aim to standardise the landscape for combating financial fraud in the EU, calling into question the fragmented approach of national regulators.

EGBA in the front line

The association, which represents European online gaming operators, will be adapting its AML/CTF guide in line with these new standards. One of the major thrusts is to merge the fight against AML with practices for combating the financing of terrorism, in a holistic approach.

Dr Ekaterina Hartmann, EGBA Legal and Regulatory Director:

“We are delighted to have completed the second annual reporting process. I would like to thank our members for their commitment to this collaborative initiative. Together we aim to raise the standard of anti-money laundering compliance among our members and, by example, inspire others in the industry to do the same. We encourage operators who are not EGBA members to join this initiative and strengthen the industry’s contribution to the fight against financial crime.”

The annual reporting process will make it possible to gather feedback from operators and identify the points of vigilance to be included in the 2026 version of the guide.

Towards integration of AML payments

At the same time, the EGBA is encouraging the integration of AML controls directly into payment platforms. Last year, the majority of members adopted real-time monitoring systems, including:

• Monitoring of rapid and non-standard deposits (e.g. over €10,000).
• Behavioural analysis supported by artificial intelligence tools.
• Sharing anonymised information between operators to detect money laundering structures.

A concrete example shows that the injection of AML controls into payments made it possible to block approximately €1.8 million in suspicious funds in the second quarter of 2025, with no noticeable disruption for users.

This modernisation comes at a time when sanctions are being stepped up. Last year, European financial institutions were fined more than €36m for AML breaches.

With the future AMLA in place, EGBA anticipates more rigorous supervision of online gambling operators. However, the association warns that non-compliance could result in heavy financial penalties and licence cancellations.

The iGaming industry at a historic turning point

The combination of a strengthened regulatory framework, a proactive European authority and a concrete commitment from the iGaming industry constitutes a decisive moment:

• The EGBA is taking the lead by structuring a joint response.
• Innovations in payment control indicate the urgency of coordinated responses.
• Players and authorities can look forward to a safer and more transparent gaming environment.

The EGBA is firmly committed to an in-depth transformation of its AML guidelines to comply with the new European framework in force since mid-2025. Under the impetus of the AMLA and thanks to technological innovation, the online gambling industry is moving towards greater financial security and enhanced protection against fraud and terrorist financing.