Canadian AML Watchdog Warns Against Unlicensed Gaming Platforms
Highlighting the potential risks of unregulated online gaming, Canada's Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) has released a bulletin in January cautioning against the dangers of money laundering through unlicensed operators in the online gaming industry.
The bulletin issued by FINTRAC raises significant concerns regarding unregulated operators, particularly those operating outside the purview of regulatory oversight. With the projected growth of the iGaming sector to a staggering $100 billion industry by 2026, FINTRAC emphasises the increased susceptibility of such platforms to exploitation by criminal entities for money laundering purposes.
"While online gambling operators can and should implement measures to mitigate these risks, transactions involving platforms operating beyond the boundaries of legal and regulatory frameworks, particularly those situated in jurisdictions with lax anti-money laundering or anti-terrorist financing regulations, pose a heightened risk of facilitating illicit financial activities," noted FINTRAC.
Unauthorised gaming platforms lack the necessary authorisation from regulatory bodies like the Kahnawake Gaming Commission to offer online casino games.
According to FINTRAC, law enforcement agencies have observed that organised crime groups can operate or exploit these unlicensed platforms both within Canada and in foreign jurisdictions accessible from Canadian locations.
Financial Transaction Risks
As Canada's leading financial intelligence unit responsible for combating money laundering and terrorist financing, FINTRAC's mandate includes the detection, prevention, and deterrence of such illicit activities.
In response to mounting concerns over money laundering, FINTRAC elevated the threat posed by criminal groups utilising unlicensed online gambling platforms from "high" to "very high" in March 2023.
The organisation conducted an extensive analysis of suspicious transaction reports associated with online gambling spanning from 2016 to 2023. Additionally, FINTRAC examined insights from various financial intelligence units, assessments from governmental and non-governmental entities, and publicly available information to identify concerning trends and patterns.
The report highlights certain banking methods favoured by money launderers, including excessive email money transfers linked to activities such as drug and human trafficking. Additionally, suspicious banking behaviours such as automated banking machine smurfing and inconsistent cash deposits have been identified as tactics employed to avoid detection by authorities.
Furthermore, FINTRAC's study reveals instances where bank accounts were utilised to facilitate money laundering through rapid and frequent credit card transactions for online gambling, transfers to virtual currency exchanges, and payments to service providers facilitating transactions on gambling sites.
The report underscores the existence of accounts solely dedicated to laundering money through online gaming, with funds frequently circulated through the same gambling platforms multiple times.
FINTRAC further warns that funds originating from Canadian bank accounts may contribute to the operation of unlicensed gambling sites or facilitate gambling activities on behalf of others. Prepaid credit cards, vouchers, e-wallets, and virtual currencies are identified as high-risk funding methods due to their potential to obscure the illicit origins of funds channeled to underground gaming sites.
Our Conclusion
As much as we do appreciate the hunt on unlicensed casinos, we need to remember that this licence of Canada allows game providers to lower RTP to bare minimum of 85%. So, obviously the players will find alternatives playing crypto casinos and some unlicensed casinos.
Mark Patterson is the news writer at CasinosInCanada who covers the latest developments in the iGaming industry, including casino launches, regulations, and market updates.
This highlights the need for greater collaboration between regulators, law enforcement, and financial institutions to combat money laundering in the online gaming sector. It's a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to effectively address.
I've always been wary of unlicensed gaming sites, but this report from FINTRAC reinforces just how risky they can be. It's not worth the potential consequences of getting involved with platforms that aren't properly regulated. Stick to the legal options, folks!
It's disturbing to hear about the various methods criminals are using to launder money through online gaming. From smurfing to obscure banking transactions, it's clear they'll stop at nothing to exploit vulnerabilities. Regulation and enforcement are more critical than ever.
Wow, I had no idea the online gaming industry was projected to reach $100 billion by 2026. With that kind of money at stake, it's no wonder criminals are trying to exploit the system. Hopefully, initiatives like those by FINTRAC can help curb illicit activities.
As someone who enjoys online gaming, I appreciate FINTRAC shedding light on these risks. It's essential for players to be aware of the potential dangers associated with unlicensed platforms and to prioritize playing on regulated and reputable sites.