The communication is a response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and resulting government sanctions. The General Counsel (GC) reminds operators to include provisions for mitigating the risk of dealing with sanctioned customers and jurisdictions, such as Russia, in their money laundering and terrorist financing procedures.
The Commission warns operators that not taking a risk-based approach could result in a breach of the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018. This breach could lead to enforcement action against the business. Operators who may have breached sanctions laws are instructed to report themselves to the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation promptly.
Additionally, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) reminds operators in its jurisdiction about their conduct towards Russian businesses. Operators are urged to perform new background checks on customers. Many operators, developers, and other businesses in the gambling industry have withdrawn their services from Russia and Belarus in response to the invasion.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.
