MGA tells operators to perform checks after Russia sanctions

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has warned operators to carry out new screening after Europe introduced sanctions against Russia.

Malta.- The Malta Gaming Authority has advised gambling operators licensed in the country that the sanctions imposed on Russia require them to undertake new screening on business relationships and carry out background checks on customers.

Operators must stop any transaction, freeze assets, and inform the Sanctions Monitoring Board of any customers whose funds may originate from Russian sources, it said.

The MGA said: “The authority is stressing the importance that licensees ensure that any systems used to monitor sanctions are being run in an effective and efficient manner, that they are informed with any updates regarding the Russia/Ukraine situation and, as a result, calibrate their sanctions monitoring systems in order to reflect any additions made to the applicable lists being monitored.

“They should react swiftly in ensuring that their customer databases are subject to the most recently updated and applicable sanctions lists.”

The gaming industry has rallied to support Ukraine following the Russian regime’s invasion of the country with fundraisers for relief efforts.

Several operators have also taken action in terms of their business. Parimatch Tech has withdrawn its band from Russia and LeoVegas has stopped taking bets on Russian and Belarussian domestic sport.

Slava Zhuk, advisor at Turbo Games, has called on all operators to block their services for the Russian Federation and Belarus.