EGBA ensures seals are tight ahead of new EU AML plunge

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) is looking at introducing a new list of risk assessment documents for its members.

Feedback has been collected from the association members which completed the second annual reporting process on their implementation of EGBA’s updated AML guidelines.

These guidelines were first introduced back in March 2023, with the goal of preparing EGBA’s pan-European partnership network for future shifts in EU AML policy.

More specifically, last year saw the European Council approving a new legislation for the creation of the European Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA), which will be tasked with the supervision of financial risk compliance across EU states from 2026 onwards.

Under AMLA, EU operators will see the introduction of Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) – a new reporting format that will bring a standardised compliance basis for all online gambling providers in Europe.

EGBA’s guidelines were created so that operators can become familiarised with the upcoming changes, and prepare for increased scrutiny that will cover all corners of the industry – from customer and business risk assessments, to suspicious transaction reporting, to record keeping.

Now that the mock reporting process has been completed for the second year in a row, EGBA will move to analyse the results and potentially introduce a minimum list of required AML-related documents, alongside updated guidance on risk assessments, payments, outsourcing, and sports integrity – all in accordance to the new EU policy coming in 2026.

The Union has faced previous criticism about lacking a cross-country unified strategy when tackling the black market. This new legislation might prove to be the needed chess piece for a checkmate.

Dr. Ekaterina Hartmann, Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs at EGBA, commented: “We’re pleased to have completed the second annual reporting process and want to thank our members for their dedication to this collaborative initiative.

“Together, we’re aiming to raise the bar for AML compliance standards across our members and, by example, influence other operators across the industry to do the same. 

“We encourage operators who aren’t members of EGBA to join this initiative and help strengthen the sector’s contribution to the fight against financial crime.”