Entain’s Andrea Carvalho on EUDI Wallet and Digital Identity at SBC Summit 2026

The introduction of digital identity cards — particularly in the context of the EUDI Wallet — offers substantial opportunities to simplify know-your-customer (KYC) procedures for regulated online gambling operators. According to Andrea Carvalho, Head of Legal, Compliance, and AML Affairs at Entain, this technology could expedite identity verification and lower friction for customers, but continuous compliance obligations such as risk assessments and anti-money laundering controls will remain critical.

EUDI Wallets: Potential benefits for regulated online gambling

Speaking as a panelist at the SBC Summit 2026 session "EUDI Wallets & Digital Identity: A New Era for KYC — or Just New Complexity?", Andrea Carvalho emphasized that the EUDI Wallet enables customers to share verified digital credentials issued by public authorities. This development has the potential to make identity checks faster, more accurate, and more reliable for regulated operators. Carvalho pointed to the experience within European markets, particularly Portugal, as a demonstration of the effectiveness of digital identity infrastructure.

Carvalho noted that Brazil is also advancing in digital identity and authentication. She suggested that attribute-based verification — where only relevant personal data is shared, such as age verification — could further streamline onboarding processes without operators having to store excessive personal information.

Digital identity and compliance: A balanced approach

While digital identity streamlines one aspect of KYC, Carvalho stressed that it does not replace the full spectrum of operator duties. These include ongoing risk assessments, anti-money laundering (AML) measures, and responsible gaming controls. "If implemented successfully, one of the potential benefits is that compliance teams will be able to spend less time validating documents," she said.

"A good compliance process has never been about collecting as much data as possible. It's about obtaining the right information for the right regulatory purpose at the right time. Selective disclosure contributes to this goal while simultaneously strengthening both privacy and trust." — Andrea Carvalho, Entain

Selective disclosure — a core feature of the EUDI Wallet — allows operators to verify key attributes (for example, being over 18) and aligns with EU data minimisation principles. However, compliance frameworks will require operators to collect more data when regulation demands it. Operators still bear legal responsibility for AML, KYC, and responsible gambling requirements, even in an environment with advanced digital identity infrastructure.

EUDI Wallet implementation: European harmonisation challenges

The EUDI Wallet aims to create a reliable, interoperable digital identity system across all EU Member States. Carvalho acknowledged that distinct national timelines, differing levels of technological maturity, and technical standards could introduce new operational complexities for companies operating in multiple jurisdictions.

She views the formulation of common European principles as a positive step, even if full harmonisation is not achieved from the outset. Interoperability and consistent implementation will be key to ensuring the EUDI Wallet realises its promise of reducing regulatory fragmentation in KYC and digital onboarding.

Dynamic customer journeys: Integrating instant onboarding and risk-based controls

Carvalho recommended that operators view the onboarding process as dynamic rather than a single checkpoint. Instant identity verification through digital identity cards is possible, but robust compliance depends on applying risk-based due diligence and ongoing assessment throughout the customer lifecycle.

A risk-based approach supports both efficiency and consumer protection. "The customer journey should be viewed as dynamic, not as a process where all checks are concentrated at the beginning," said Carvalho. Technology can significantly reduce friction, but must be matched by proportional compliance checks aligned with customer risk profiles.

Beyond Europe: Applicability in Brazil and other regulated markets

Although Carvalho’s primary focus is Portugal and the European framework, she identified several concepts from the EUDI Wallet model that may benefit any regulated online gambling market. Standout features — such as attribute-based verification and trusted digital credentials — enhance identity verification, diminish unnecessary data sharing, and improve customer experience.

Brazil, she observed, has already implemented foundational digital identity systems. As regulatory developments progress, further adoption of attribute-based and privacy-focused verification methods could assist both customer onboarding and regulatory compliance in the Brazilian market. However, Carvalho stressed that each country must adapt these concepts to its own technological, regulatory, and legal context for maximum efficacy.

Fraud prevention and the necessity of ongoing monitoring

Carvalho highlighted that while trusted digital identity solutions — including digital wallets — offer strong protection against document forgery and identity theft, they cannot address all financial crime risks. Criminal techniques, such as synthetic identities and advanced document fraud, are evolving rapidly.

"Trusted digital identities can significantly contribute to reducing fraud involving forged documents, stolen identities, and weaknesses in manual verification processes. But identity verification is only the first step...continuous monitoring will remain indispensable." — Andrea Carvalho, Entain

A robust compliance program must combine digital identity verification with transaction monitoring, behavioural analysis, and ongoing risk assessment to maintain an effective defence against financial crime throughout the customer relationship.

Outlook: Towards interoperable and privacy-oriented ID in gaming

Carvalho’s insights at the SBC Summit 2026 underline that digital identity solutions — such as the EUDI Wallet — can improve operational efficiency and customer experience for regulated gambling operators. However, balanced implementation, regulatory harmonisation, and an ongoing commitment to risk management remain essential as the sector adapts to these new digital tools.

Further coverage of responsible gaming and technological advances in regulated gambling can be found in our news section.