Bookmakers’ concerns over the new anti-money laundering law in Italy

The implementation of the fourth AML Directive of the new Italian anti-money laundering makes the betting operators to concern about the changes that may create.

The major changes that may arise include:

Collection of player’s IDs cannot be postponed anymore. It must happen at the same time when someone creates an account and may result to a delay of 30 days, but only in sectors with low risk money laundering. It has to become clear by the law, if online betting can fall under such category.

Ban of anonymous payment. The customers should use ways that are fully traceable in terms financial flows linked to the gaming operation. In that case it is not also clear if this requirement will ban vouchers and top up cards or simply require the players’ IDs at time of the purchase. There is also the possibility that no changes will be implemented at all.

Stringent anti-money laundering checks on VLTs. Gaming hall managers and distributors should have the obligation to identify players with suspicious behavior or anomalous conduct, such us those who indulge in gambling activities of at least €2.000, or verify tickets that value is at least €500. Additionally, they have to report if there are low winnings or no winnings at all.

ADM, the Italian gambling Authority, have decreed a 12 month waiting period before they implement the necessary technological updates.  The issue is, in which way these changes will affect or not the industry of online sports betting, among other sectors, which use internet transactions.