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Great Britain gambling operators using AI for anti-money laundering checks have been told to prove the tools work before putting them into live compliance processes.
Good to know
- John Pierce said AI and algorithmic AML tools often fail to deliver enough compliance evidence.
- PML holders remain responsible when operators use third-party or white-label AML systems.
- The Gambling Commission plans a new MLTF risk assessment in July and a risks bulletin in autumn.
AI Can Help AML But Operators Still Own The Risk
Automation now sits inside many gambling compliance teams, but the Gambling Commission wants stronger proof before operators rely on it for anti-money laundering checks.
John Pierce, Director of Enforcement at the Gambling Commission, delivered the warning at the Gambling Anti-Money Laundering Group Annual Conference on 10 June 2026. He said the regulator does not oppose new technology, but operators cannot treat AI tools as a shortcut.
“We aren’t ideologically against the use of new technology in your processes. But you need to be sure they are doing what is required, and the evidence we’ve seen so far is too often they simply aren’t delivering.”
Pierce then made the test clear for any gambling operator planning to use AI or algorithmic AML systems.
“So if your business is considering this type of approach, make sure it’s delivering compliance before you launch it.”
Michael Clohisy, sports attorney and adviser at Quintel Intelligence, told European Gaming that the message was about control, not a ban on AI.
“It appears that the messaging at the GAMLG annual conference signalled that the Gambling Commission isn’t opposed to AI or algorithmic AML (anti-money laundering) tools, but rather sounding alarm bells that the tech is falling short on compliance, transparency, and oversight.”
Clohisy said operators need algorithmic accountability, including forensic testing and risk assessment testing. In practice, that means checking whether systems can catch issues such as mismatched bank statements or possible mule accounts.
“Algorithmic accountability including forensic and risk-assessment testing to make sure, for example, that an operator’s Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (MLTF) detection protocols (e.g., mismatched bank statements or potential ‘mule’ accounts) are being met.”
Responsibility also stays with licensed people inside the business. Clohisy said operators that delegate AML work to third-party AI vendors or white-label products still need proper oversight from personal management licence holders.
“PML holders therefore must implement regular, more robust internal audits to maintain adequate oversight and compliance.”
Wider AML Failures And Illegal Market Action
Pierce said overall AML compliance has improved since he joined the Commission in February 2024, and recent casework now shows less extreme failings. Even so, the regulator has become tougher on PML holders who cannot show enough oversight of AML controls.
The Commission keeps finding gaps between written money laundering risk assessments and the controls operators actually use. Pierce also pointed to weak staff training, poor record keeping, loose due diligence on third parties, over reliance on financial thresholds, and bank statements or payslips with red flags that staff missed or failed to escalate.
The next compliance dates are already on the calendar. The Commission expects to publish an updated money laundering and terrorist financing risk assessment in July, followed by an updated risks bulletin in autumn. The UK also faces a Financial Action Task Force assessment in 2027.
Crypto remains under review too. Pierce said the Commission is studying a possible route for cryptoassets as a consumer payment option, after progress at the Financial Conduct Authority. Any route would take time.
Illegal gambling also took a larger place in the speech. Pierce welcomed £26 million over three years from the Treasury and his place in the Minister led taskforce on illegal gambling. He said the Commission issued 741 cease and desist notices in the past year, reported 397,527 URLs to search engines, secured 266,667 removals so far, referred 1,068 websites for delisting, and disrupted 1,134 websites.
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