UKGC Warns Operators About AI and Crypto Casino Risks in Latest AML Update
The UK Gambling Commission has identified artificial intelligence and offshore crypto gaming as growing risks in its latest anti-money laundering (AML) guidance for 2025.
AI tools increasingly used to bypass ID checks
The Commission reports a rise in attempts to manipulate customer due diligence (CDD) checks. Criminals now use AI-generated documents, face swaps, and deepfake videos to create fake player accounts.
The National Crime Agency recently confirmed that such accounts are more likely to be linked to money laundering or terrorism financing. In response, the regulator expects staff at gambling firms to receive targeted training. Employees must learn how to spot AI-generated content and detect forged identity documents.
Wiggin LLP, a law firm specializing in gambling regulation, commented on the update:
“It is critical that all operators reflect on this information and can demonstrate this to the Commission. This requires a detailed, recorded assessment of the risks presented, the relevance to their business, the mitigations identified and a clear mapping across into policies and procedures.
We have seen operators criticised by the Commission for failing to record why a particular emerging risk was not actually relevant to them.”
Crash games attract criminal interest
The UKGC also raised concerns about crash games. These are fast-paced gambling products often hosted on unregulated crypto casinos. While crash games are not allowed under UK licences, their popularity continues to grow among offshore users. The regulator warned that criminals may use these games to hide suspicious activity. Quick cash-outs with little gameplay are common in crash games, making it harder for monitoring systems to detect money laundering.
Foreign cash deposits remain a threat
Another risk highlighted in the update involves money service business (MSB) activity in casinos. This includes allowing customers to deposit high-value foreign currency notes — a practice still seen at some venues. The Commission said fewer casinos offer these services now, but those that do remain exposed to AML threats. It classifies this as high-risk in its 2025 assessment.