Australia’s AUSTRAC will begin website changes from 30 March as key reforms to the country’s AML/CTF regime take effect from 31 March. Chief Executive Brendan Thomas said gambling businesses should maintain existing controls, document credible implementation plans and address unmanaged risks or face regulatory action.
Gambling operators must manage AML/CTF risks and prepare implementation plans as key reforms take effect.
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Australia's expanded anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework took effect on 31 March 2026, covering casinos, bookmakers and pubs and clubs with poker machines. The rules require risk assessments, customer checks, transaction monitoring and dedicated compliance officers; AUSTRAC chief executive Brendan Thomas said operators must identify risks and report suspicious activity.
Queensland’s Business department says gaming machine licensees must maintain an anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorism-financing programme and enrol with AUSTRAC. It also says licensees must submit an annual compliance report and report suspicious matters. Changes to AML/CTF laws took effect on 31 March 2026, with further information directed to AUSTRAC.
AUSTRAC chief executive Brendan Thomas warned gambling operators in Sydney that criminals continue to exploit systemic weaknesses in compliance controls. He said regulatory reviews had found recurring failures, as Australia prepares to introduce AML reforms later in March; operators must identify and verify customers, monitor transactions and report suspicious matters.
AUSTRAC chief executive Brendan Thomas warned gambling operators about anti-money laundering control gaps at the Regulating the Game conference in Sydney, according to the report. The updated AML/CTF Act is due to take effect on 31 March, adding duties for covered businesses; AUSTRAC said it plans a practical transition period.
Australia’s Federal Court found that two former senior executives of The Star Entertainment Group breached the Corporations Act through failures in managing money-laundering risks and informing the board. The court found no breaches by the other nine former directors and officers named in the proceedings, and had not imposed penalties at the time of the report.