Isle of Man’s online gambling sector has drawn international attention after Celton Manx Limited T/A SBOTOP, a prominent e-gaming operator, was hit with a £3.9 million civil penalty for anti-money laundering (AML) failings.

The enforcement, led by the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC), showcases the jurisdiction’s intensified commitment to financial crime prevention in the wake of global pressure on e-gaming hubs to meet rigorous compliance standards. 

Celton Manx, which held an Isle of Man license from 2008 until surrendering it in May 2025, became the focus of an extensive GSC AML/CFT inspection in late 2024. The review uncovered systemic failures in customer due diligence, ongoing monitoring, and risk assessment—areas now firmly in regulators’ crosshairs across Europe and beyond. This case not only resulted in a substantial fine but also marked a watershed moment for the island’s regulatory approach, with implications for all remote gambling operators targeting global markets.