The Malta Gaming Authority has issued a formal call for industry participation in critical public consultations launched by the EU Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA), marking a pivotal moment in European gaming compliance.
Three Key Regulatory Standards Under Review
AMLA has opened consultations on three draft Regulatory Technical Standards that will directly impact gaming operations across the EU. The consultations cover the Draft RTS issued under Article 28(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1624) concerning customer due diligence procedures.
The second consultation addresses the Draft RTS under Article 19(9) of the same Regulation regarding the criteria for identifying business relationships, occasional and linked transactions and the determination of lower thresholds. The third focuses on the Draft RTS issued under Article 53(10) of the Anti-Money Laundering Directive (Directive (EU) 2024/1640) (AMLD6) in relation to reporting material weaknesses.
AMLA Consultation Overview
The EU Anti-Money Laundering Authority has launched three critical consultations covering customer due diligence procedures, criteria for identifying business relationships and transactions, and reporting material weaknesses. This marks AMLA's first specific engagement with non-financial sectors including gaming operations.
Strategic Timing for Gaming Sector Engagement
This consultation phase represents the first time AMLA has specifically addressed non-financial sectors, including gaming operations. The timing coincides with the EU's transition toward more unified and risk-sensitive anti-money laundering legislation, creating both opportunities and compliance challenges for operators.
The Malta Gaming Authority emphasizes that early engagement is essential, as industry feedback could help ensure the resulting technical standards remain proportionate and responsive to sector-specific operational realities affecting both online and land-based gambling operations.
Critical Submission Deadlines Announced
AMLA has established two distinct deadlines for consultation responses. Feedback on the Draft RTS under Article 53(10) of AMLD6 must be submitted by Friday, 9 March 2026. Responses to the Draft RTS under Articles 28(1) and 19(9) of the Anti-Money Laundering Regulation are due by Friday, 8 May 2026.
Stakeholders can access detailed consultation information, including draft texts and submission portals, through AMLA's designated channels.
| Regulation | Article | Deadline | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMLD6 | 53(10) | 9 March 2026 | Reporting material weaknesses |
| AML Regulation | 28(1) | 8 May 2026 | Customer due diligence procedures |
| AML Regulation | 19(9) | 8 May 2026 | Business relationship criteria |
Key Deadlines
Gaming operators must submit feedback on Draft RTS under Article 53(10) of AMLD6 by Friday, 9 March 2026. Responses to Draft RTS under Articles 28(1) and 19(9) of the Anti-Money Laundering Regulation are due by Friday, 8 May 2026. Early engagement is essential as industry feedback could influence the final technical standards.
Authority Support for Industry Engagement
The Malta Gaming Authority has positioned itself as a liaison between the gaming sector and regulatory developments. Authorized persons seeking to discuss sector-specific concerns or examine aspects of the draft standards in greater detail can engage directly with the Authority.
The regulator also welcomes written feedback from stakeholders, which will inform its ongoing engagement on these regulatory matters as the EU AML Package implementation progresses.
Regulatory Landscape Implications
This consultation phase signals AMLA's expanding focus beyond traditional financial services into gaming compliance frameworks. The consultation outcomes will likely establish precedents for how EU-wide anti-money laundering standards apply to gaming operations, potentially influencing licensing conditions and operational requirements across member states.
For operators managing multi-jurisdictional compliance obligations, these consultations represent an opportunity to influence technical standards before they become binding regulatory requirements affecting customer onboarding, transaction monitoring, and reporting protocols.
According to Malta Gaming Authority.
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