RGA issues new guidelines

The Remote Gambling Association (RGA), which represents some of Europe’s largest remote gambling firms, has issued what it is calling ‘practical guidelines’ in order to help companies in the online gambling industry combat money laundering.

The RGA stated that it is committed to keeping the online gambling industry crime-free and revealed that the instructions were developed in light of a report it commissioned last year from British consulting firm MHA.

“These guidelines draw on the vast experience of our members and the recommendations of external experts in the field such as consultants MHA,” said Clive Hawkswood, Chief Executive Officer for the RGA.

“They are designed to help online gambling operators meet their responsibilities and provide some practical assistance for operational staff. They will be reviewed regularly by the RGA’s Crime Issues Committee and reissued as necessary.

“We also hope that they might be useful to other stakeholders such as newer regulators who need to know what might reasonably be expected of the companies they regulate.”

The RGA revealed that combating money laundering effectively is one of its ‘major objectives’ and revealed that a full copy of its new guidelines and the 2009 report from MHA can be obtained by visiting its website at RGA.eu.com.

“Although many of these guidelines are specific to the European Union and the regulatory structure there, the principles and many of the suggestions for good practice will have a wider geographical application,” read a statement from the Brussels-based organisation.

“They are meant to complement legal and regulatory requirements irrespective of the jurisdictions where operators are licensed.”