Ministry ties gambling licences to reputation and verified funds

The Ministry of Finance has adopted a new Rule for determining the reputation, integrity and origin of funds for organising games of chance, a measure introduced under the recently passed Law on Games of Chance.

"This secondary regulation prescribes in detail the documentation required to confirm the reputation of all legal and natural persons applying for a licence for a casino, bookmaker, slot club or closed‑type tombola," said the Ministry of Finance.

Applicants must submit paperwork proving they meet reputation criteria, including documents related to imposed bans on practicing a profession, evidence that no ban has been imposed on organising games of chance, and other circumstances relevant to their participation in the provision of gambling services.

Stricter checks on the source of capital

"Through bank statements, contracts and financial statements, the Ministry of Finance will verify whether there is an unbroken trail of the movement of funds from their source to the deposit in the company. In addition, procedures are regulated for changes in ownership structure, changes in capital and the appointment of members to management and supervisory bodies," the Ministry added.

The rule implements a novelty introduced by the new Law on Games of Chance: reputation assessments will also cover partners and associates of licensed operators and members of the management and supervisory bodies of any gambling company in which the state is the sole shareholder. The measure is presented as a key element in the fight against money‑laundering and the financing of terrorism.

The new Law on Games of Chance was adopted in June this year with the stated aim of establishing a modern, clearer and more efficient legal framework for regulating the sector.

Photo: press material from the event