The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has announced its intention to introduce amendments to its pan-European anti-money laundering (AML) guidelines for 2026.
The decision follows the recent completion of the trade body’s annual monitoring process for 2025, which assesses members’ adherence to the established framework.
First introduced in 2023, the anti-money laundering guidelines represent a concerted industry effort to establish a high standard in the fight against illicit financial activities.
The framework requires member operators to submit a yearly report on their compliance, fostering a consistent and robust approach to countering money laundering and terrorist financing (AML/CTF).
Based on feedback from the latest industry-wide report, the EGBA aims to strengthen the guidelines to address evolving challenges and bolster areas identified as needing improvement.
The core of the guidelines operates on a risk-based approach, asserting that AML/CTF measures must be proportional to the identified risks within the current landscape.
While specific details on the 2026 amendments are forthcoming, the EGBA has indicated several areas will be enhanced.
Dr. Ekaterina Hartmann, Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs at the EGBA, commented:
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.
Furthermore, guidance concerning risk assessments, customer payments, outsourcing, and sports integrity is expected to be reinforced.
The EGBA’s goal extends beyond its own membership, aiming to influence the entire European gambling sector to adopt stronger integrity measures.
Dr. Ekaterina Hartmann, EGBA’s Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs, has reiterated the appeal for operators outside the association’s umbrella to voluntarily adopt the guidelines.
This initiative continues to be a crucial component of the industry’s self-regulatory efforts to maintain a safe and crime-free environment for consumers.
