AML (Anti Money Laundering)

What is AML?

AML, or anti money laundering, is the set of checks and controls a gambling operator must run to stop gambling being used to move criminal funds.

Why it matters

AML rules are why a large deposit or an unusual pattern of play triggers questions about where the money came from. They are a licence condition in every regulated market, so an operator that skips them loses its licence.

Example

A player deposits 8,000 euro in a week. The operator sends a source of funds request and asks for a recent bank statement or payslip showing where the money came from. Play continues, but the withdrawal is held until the document is reviewed.

Common misunderstandings

  • AML is an obligation on the operator, not a service charged to the player. No licensed operator charges an AML fee, and a demand for payment before winnings are released is a scam. See the guide on AML fees at /knowledge-hub/guides/casino-aml-fee.
  • AML is not the same as KYC. KYC confirms who you are. AML is the wider set of monitoring and reporting duties that sits on top of it.

Frequently asked questions

Can a casino charge me for an AML check?

No. The check is the operator legal obligation and the operator pays for it. A request to send money before a withdrawal is released is advance fee fraud.

Why is the operator asking for my bank statement?

That is a source of funds request. It is a standard AML step after a large or unusual deposit and the operator is required to make it.

Related terms

Browse the full gambling glossary