Isle of Man gambling watchdog updates AML, CFT guidance

• The Gambling Supervision Commission identified potential money laundering risks for gambling operators earlier this year
• Addressing potential vulnerabilities, the Commission released updated AML/CFT guidance for gambling operators
• The revised guidance enhances and expands the existing framework

The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC), the jurisdiction’s gambling authority, released updated anti-money laundering guidance for gambling operators.

Potential risks, typologies and possible threats are added to the guidance

Before the revised guidance, the Commission released a 2025/2026 National Risk Assessment that focused on potential challenges related to money laundering and financial crime.

In line with the Assessment, the GSC has now updated its anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) guidance for gambling operators.

The update, published earlier this week, is sought to reflect the vulnerabilities outlined in the latest Assessment documents.

Identified threats and typologies, as well as potential risks, have been added to the guidance.

At the same time, the existing guidance has been clarified and expanded in applicable areas.

Overall, the underlying Code and guidance remain unchanged, a press release by the GSC confirms. However, additional threats and risks gambling operators need to consider have been added.

"Existing guidance has been clarified and where appropriate expanded on the application of the risk-based approach (RBA), including consideration of risks arising through wider business relationships, B2B arrangements and group structures, as well as customer and beneficial ownership risks," the Commission explained.

In other words, gambling operators are encouraged to address risks and ensure their potential B2B partners, including technology and software providers, are not related to criminal organizations that want to launder money.

"GSC supervisory expectations have also been clarified where appropriate and links to relevant national and international guidance, typologies and resources have also been updated. In addition, the document has had a cosmetic overhaul, with diagrams refreshed," the GSC further wrote.

Ultimately, gambling operators are encouraged to review their existing AML/CFT policies, identify potential vulnerabilities, and address them. At the same time, gambling companies need to maintain caution when signing agreements with new suppliers.

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