top of page

To be announced soon

Why 2025 Is the Year of AML Reform in iGaming

The iGaming industry has long been considered one of the highest-risk sectors when it comes to financial crime prevention. In 2025, that risk profile is under sharper scrutiny than ever before. With the European Union’s new Anti-Money Laundering Regulation (AMLR) and the establishment of a centralized EU Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA), this year marks a turning point for how gaming operators must approach compliance.


The Regulatory Shift

Historically, anti-money laundering (AML) rules in iGaming varied from country to country. While all EU states were bound by AML Directives, national regulators often applied the rules differently. This fragmentation created gaps and opportunities for exploitation.

Starting in 2025, the AMLR provides a directly applicable framework across all EU Member States. For iGaming operators, this means:

  • Unified standards: no more patchwork of national rules.

  • Direct supervision by AMLA for high-risk entities, including gambling companies.

  • Increased accountability for senior management and compliance officers.



Key Compliance Obligations in 2025

For online gambling operators, the new AML regime emphasizes:

  • Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD): stricter checks on high-value transactions, politically exposed persons (PEPs), and cross-border clients.

  • Transaction Monitoring: real-time systems to detect unusual betting patterns or suspicious cash flows.

  • Customer Verification: stronger KYC procedures, including identity verification for all deposits and withdrawals.

  • Data Retention & Reporting: robust record-keeping and mandatory suspicious transaction reports (STRs) to regulators.

Failure to comply can result in hefty fines, license suspension, or even criminal liability for executives.



Why the Pressure Is Rising

In recent years, regulators have imposed record-breaking fines on gambling operators for AML breaches, sometimes in the tens of millions of euros. Public tolerance for weak controls is running out, and with AMLA now overseeing compliance across the bloc, enforcement is expected to become more aggressive and consistent.

Moreover, gambling companies are now categorized as “obliged entities” under the same scrutiny as banks and payment institutions. This places iGaming squarely in the crosshairs of EU financial regulators.



Opportunities Behind the Challenge

Stronger AML rules may seem burdensome, but they also create opportunities:

  • Market consolidation: operators with strong compliance frameworks gain competitive advantage as weaker players exit the market.

  • Investor confidence: well-regulated operators are more attractive to investors and partners.

  • Cross-border growth: harmonized AML rules reduce legal uncertainty for operators expanding across multiple EU jurisdictions.



How LexLegas Supports Operators

At LexLegas, we help iGaming businesses stay ahead of regulatory change by:

  • Designing and implementing tailored AML and KYC policies.

  • Conducting compliance audits and risk assessments.

  • Training staff and compliance officers to meet new EU requirements.

  • Advising management on governance structures that mitigate liability.

 
 
bottom of page