GC urges operator caution regarding Russian businesses and customers

The communication comes in response to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and resulting government sanctions.

The GC has reminded operators to ensure that any money laundering and terrorist financing procedures should contain provisions for mitigating the risk of dealing with sanctioned customers and jurisdictions – such as Russia.

The Commision has also warned operators that failure to take a risk-based approach could result in a breach of the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018, which in turn could lead to enforcement action against the business.

Any operators who may have breached sanctions laws have been told to report themselves to the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation at the earliest opportunity.

In addition to the Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) also reminded operators in its jurisdiction about their conduct towards Russian businesses and urged operators to complete new background checks on customers.

A number of operators, developers and other businesses within the gambling industry have withdrawn their services from Russia and Belarus in response to the invasion.

Genius Sports Group has halted its commercial operations in Russia, while online operator LeoVegas has suspended betting on domestic sports in Russia and Belarus.