Isle of Man Gambling Regulator Fines Celton Manx for Anti-Money Laundering Failures

July 7, 2025

News

Isle of Man Gambling Regulator Fines Celton Manx for Anti-Money Laundering Failures

The Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC) has imposed a substantial penalty on Celton Manx Limited following serious breaches related to anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. The fine reflects the gravity of the operator’s compliance failures.

Systemic Violations Identified by the GSC

The GSC, which oversees the protection of the Isle of Man’s gambling industry against criminal activity and fraud, conducted an AML compliance review of Celton Manx. This inspection revealed multiple significant violations of the Gambling (Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism) Code 2019. In response, the GSC initiated a thorough investigation to assess the severity of these breaches. The regulator announced a fine totaling �� 5,625,000 GBP ($7.7 million). However, the GSC acknowledged certain mitigating circumstances and applied a 30% reduction to the penalty. Consequently, Celton Manx is required to pay a final civil penalty of �� 3,937,500 GBP ($5.4 million).

Inadequate Anti-Money Laundering Controls

The GSC clarified that its initial AML inspection began in October 2024 and that the compliance issues uncovered were widespread and systemic. Key deficiencies included Celton Manx’s inability to demonstrate that its Network Partners adhered to the Isle of Man’s AML standards. The operator’s monitoring procedures were also found to be insufficient, and there was a failure to effectively conduct AML risk assessments aimed at preventing money laundering and terrorist financing. Despite these problems, Celton Manx took responsibility for the compliance gaps and fully cooperated with the GSC throughout the investigation. This cooperation was considered a significant mitigating factor when determining the penalty reduction. After nearly 17 years operating under the GSC’s authority, Celton Manx voluntarily surrendered its Isle of Man license in May 2025.

GSC’s Ongoing Commitment to Crime Prevention

Recently, the GSC has intensified its efforts to combat crime associated with gambling by equipping its staff with training to identify and address signs of modern slavery. These training sessions included testimonials from individuals with firsthand experience, aimed at enhancing the regulator’s ability to intervene appropriately. This initiative followed the publication of the Isle of Man’s National Risk Appetite Statement, reaffirming the island’s dedication to combating criminal activity linked to the online gambling sector.