Malta Gaming Authority calls for licensee input on EU anti-money laundering standards

The Malta Gaming Authority has invited licensees to participate in a European Union public consultation on draft Regulatory Technical Standards related to anti-money laundering. The regulator has notified authorized persons and other relevant stakeholders that the new EU Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) has launched open public consultations on three draft standards.

The consultations relate to measures issued under the EU Anti-Money Laundering framework and are of direct relevance to the non-financial sector, which includes gaming. According to the Authority, this stage of consultation comes as the European Union moves toward a more unified and risk-sensitive legislative regime.

The three draft Regulatory Technical Standards under consultation include the Draft RTS issued under Article 28(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1624) concerning customer due diligence, the Draft RTS under Article 19(9) of the same Regulation addressing criteria for identifying business relationships, occasional and linked transactions and determining lower thresholds, and the Draft RTS issued under Article 53(10) of the Anti-Money Laundering Directive (Directive (EU) 2024/1640) in relation to reporting material weaknesses.

The Malta Gaming Authority said the consultation phase represents an important legislative step for the gaming sector because AMLA is now consulting on non-financial activities. The process provides licensees with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the proposed measures and to submit feedback.

Two separate deadlines have been established by AMLA for consultation responses. Feedback on the Draft RTS under Article 53(10) of AMLD6 must be submitted by Monday, March 9, 2026. Responses concerning the Draft RTS under Articles 28(1) and 19(9) of the AMLR are due by Friday, May 8, 2026.

Further information, including links to the draft texts and submission portals, is available through this link. The regulator has encouraged licensees and other stakeholders to review the draft standards carefully and to submit their responses directly to AMLA.

In its communication, the Malta Gaming Authority said that early and informed participation can help ensure that the resulting technical standards remain proportionate, appropriately calibrated, and responsive to risks specific to the sector. 

The Authority also stated that it remains available to discuss sector-specific concerns or aspects of the draft standards in greater detail with authorized persons. Stakeholders have been invited to share any written feedback directly with the Authority, which will inform its continued engagement on these matters as the EU legislative process advances.