In brief: AMLA will be headquartered in Frankfurt
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), headquartered in Brussels, is taking significant strides to ensure a safer and more transparent gaming environment across Europe. The organisation, which represents gaming providers such as Entain, Flutter, and Kindred, has established comprehensive anti-money laundering (AML) guidelines for online gaming operators in Europe.
These guidelines, currently undergoing updates for 2026 to align with the new EU Anti-Money Laundering Regulation (AMLR), aim to promote robust and harmonized AML compliance across the sector. Key aspects of these guidelines include the implementation of a minimum list of documents for AML purposes, enhanced risk assessments, and ongoing transaction monitoring using automated systems.
Operators are expected to identify high-risk players and apply enhanced due diligence (EDD) as appropriate. They are also obliged to report suspicious transactions promptly to relevant financial intelligence units (FIUs). Regular staff training is crucial to recognize and report potential money laundering risks effectively.
In addition, the EGBA has incorporated a €2,000 threshold for applying customer due diligence measures such as verifying identity and source of funds, aligning with broader EU rules. This move is intended to strengthen compliance measures within the online gambling sector.
Dr. Ekaterina Hartmann, EGBA's Director for Legal and Regulatory Affairs, has commented on the new guidelines, stating that they function as an industry benchmark, supporting safer gambling and stronger regulatory enforcement. The EGBA invites both members and non-members to contribute to the guideline revision process to ensure comprehensive sector-wide standards.
In a related development, the European Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) has chosen Frankfurt as its new headquarters. This decision is expected to create at least 400 new EU jobs in Germany. Dr. Hartmann expressed her anticipation to work with AMLA to ensure the gaming sector's voice is represented in future EU-level AML discussions and to contribute positively to combating money laundering.
Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner strongly advocated for the new AMLA headquarters in Frankfurt and offered at least 20 million euros to secure it. Frankfurt offers three potential buildings for AMLA's new office, including two skyscrapers in the city centre and the office building Flow at Frankfurt Airport.
The EGBA, in its commitment to promoting high standards in the gaming industry, will require an annual report to document and demonstrate progress in complying with anti-money laundering guidelines. The organisation also coordinates the implementation of prescribed guidelines across Europe and influences regulation in respective EU countries.
Last year, EGBA called for a gambling advertising ban in Italy due to high black market turnover. The association collaborates with other organisations committed to sustainable player protection and promotes responsible gaming to build trust among gaming customers.
In summary, the EGBA guidelines require European online gaming operators to maintain comprehensive AML programs that include customer verification, risk-based monitoring, documentation standards, suspicious activity reporting, and adherence to forthcoming EU regulatory frameworks aimed at combating money laundering in online gambling. The association's dedication to these measures underscores its commitment to fostering a safer and more transparent gaming environment across Europe.
- The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), based in Germany, is playing a vital role in the online casinos industry by establishing guidelines for AML compliance, which are currently being updated for 2026 to align with the new EU Anti-Money Laundering Regulation (AMLR).
- In addition to combating money laundering in online gambling, the EGBA is also working towards strengthening its relationship with the European Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) and advocating for stricter regulations in the finance and crime-and-justice sectors.
- The EGBA's guidelines for online casinos in Germany, which cover aspects such as customer due diligence, risk assessments, and ongoing transaction monitoring, are anticipated to significantly improve the general-news landscape by promoting a safer and more transparent gaming environment across Europe.
