New era of gambling control: Ministry of Finance has significantly intensified AML supervision

The Ministry of Finance has significantly increased activities to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing in the gambling sector, confirming that legality, transparency, and financial system protection are among the country's key priorities following the implementation of the new Gambling Law – the first comprehensive reform in this area in two decades. The annual work plan has been revised from 5 to 20 controls, greatly expanding oversight in a sector recognized by international standards as highly vulnerable to money laundering risks. Results are already visible, including a successful AML inspection of a casino in July, which identified irregularities and issued fines totaling 9,000 euros, with 8,000 euros imposed on the legal entity and 1,000 euros on responsible individuals. Simultaneously, inspections are ongoing at a large international poker tournament held in a Montenegrin hotel, as well as another complex case related to money laundering prevention, with details to be disclosed after completion to protect procedures and ensure their effectiveness. This complex process aims to verify legality and prevent potential abuses. The intensified controls involve verifying whether operators know their players and correctly establish their identities, and whether they take measures to prevent illegal money from entering the financial system. The increased inspection includes checking all key AML obligations of operators – from player identification and monitoring suspicious transactions to maintaining records and timely reporting to authorities.