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  3. The 2026 money laundering and terrorist financing risks within the British gambling industry

Guidance

The 2026 money laundering and terrorist financing risks within the British gambling industry

The Gambling Commission's money laundering and terrorist financing risk assessment of the British gambling industry for 2026.

Published
30 July 2026

Last updated
30 July 2026 - Changes

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  1. Contents
  2. 16 - National Lottery (remote and non-remote)

16 - National Lottery (remote and non-remote)

Sector rating

Sector Previous overall risk rating Current overall risk rating
National Lottery Low Low

The National Lottery remains low risk for money laundering.

As a product, lotteries pose limited potential for money laundering exploitation. In addition, the Gambling Commission has a legal responsibility to ensure that the National Lottery is run with all due propriety.

The National Lottery represents a significantly sized portion of gambling activity in the UK. In the period April 2024 to March 2025, National Lottery ticket sales totalled £7.9 billion1.

The impact scores assigned to risks, including regulatory compliance and acquisition by organised crime, have increased since 2023. This reflects further consideration of the scale of gambling activity in the sector, rather than new evidence.

Risks

Vulnerability Risk Likelihood of event occurring Impact of event occurring Overall risk Change in risk
Operator control National Lottery operator failing to comply with prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing legislation and guidance Low (1) Medium (2) Low (2) Increase in impact
Operator control Lack of competence of key personnel and licence holders which can be exploited by criminals seeking to launder the proceeds of crime Low (1) Medium (2) Low (2) New risk
Operator control Inadequate know your customer (KYC) measures - including for customers who are not physically present Low (1) Low (1) Low (1) No change
Operator control Training for staff is insufficient and is not appropriately tailored Low (1) Low (1) Low (1) New risk
Operator control Lack of closed-loop system  Low (1) Medium (2) Low (2) New risk
Customer False and stolen identity documentation Low (1) Low (1) Low (1) No change
Means of payment Cash transactions Low (1) Low (1) Low (1) No change
Product Scratch cards and/or interactive instant win games Low (1) Low (1) Low (1) No change

Commission-controlled risks

Vulnerability Risk Likelihood of event occurring Impact of event occurring Overall risk Change in risk
Licensing and integrity National Lottery acquired by organised crime to launder criminal funds Low (1) High (3) Medium (3) Increase in impact

References

1Industry Statistics - Annual report - Financial year April 2024 to March 2025 - Official statistics

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2026 money laundering and risks - Gaming machine technical (remote and non-remote)
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