UK Gambling Commission Publishes 2026 AML Risk Assessment

Updated guidance for licensed operators

The UK Gambling Commission has published its 2026 Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment, updating its previous 2023 report to reflect the latest threats facing the British gambling industry. The document also incorporates findings from HM Treasury and the Home Office’s National Risk Assessment of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing 2025.

The assessment is designed to help licensed gambling operators identify emerging risks and strengthen their own anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) measures.

Operators required to review risk assessments

Under Licence Condition 12.1.1, all gambling licensees must assess the risk of their businesses being used for money laundering or terrorist financing. The Commission expects operators to consider the relevant sections of the new assessment, update their internal risk evaluations where necessary, and review their policies, procedures, and controls in line with any changes.

Operators are also encouraged to use the risk ratings included in the report to evaluate the level of exposure their businesses face.

Additional obligations for casino licensees

Casino operators remain subject to additional requirements under the UK's Money Laundering Regulations. Alongside updating their risk assessments, they must maintain records of the steps taken to identify and evaluate AML and CTF risks and ensure that their compliance policies are based on those findings.

The Gambling Commission also noted that, as the sector's supervisory authority, it will continue reviewing casino risk assessments using a risk-based approach. While recognising that internal approvals may take time, the regulator expects operators to implement any necessary updates promptly and to demonstrate the actions taken to strengthen their compliance frameworks.