Gambling Commission Raises Software Risk Amid Business-to-Business Concerns

The UK Gambling Commission has increased the risk level of gambling software from low to medium in its latest money laundering and terrorist financing risk assessment for 2026. This change is the only sector rating to move in the assessment, which covers licensed remote and non-remote gambling activity in Great Britain.

The Commission cited business-to-business relationships as a key reason for the increased risk. Licensed operators can supply software to illegal website operators through resellers and third parties, making it difficult to track where games end up. This poses a significant challenge for regulators tracking illicit money reaching licensed markets.

Software firms also face financial risks due to their exposure to cryptoassets and businesses offering cryptoasset activity. The Commission has recorded cases where funds arrived as cryptoassets or came from such businesses.