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Australia’s gambling industry is preparing for one of its biggest compliance overhauls in decades.
The country’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) reforms are set to take effect in March 2026, introducing sweeping new compliance obligations for casinos, gaming venues and wagering operators. The reforms also extend coverage to high-risk professions such as lawyers, accountants and real estate agents.
Gambling operators face expanded AML responsibilities
The new framework will require operators to rebuild compliance from the ground up.
According to a review by Senet Principals Daniel Lovecek and Alexandra Hoskins, the changes will compel operators to update internal controls, customer due diligence and risk assessments ahead of the implementation deadline.
The Senet experts wrote:
“Operators in the gambling sector will need to undertake a thorough review of their compliance programs well ahead of the 2026 deadline. The reforms expand what needs to be covered in AML/CTF programs, from detailed risk assessments to internal controls, and include new obligations around customer due diligence and proliferation financing.”
Gaming operators will now be required to integrate all risk management procedures into their AML/CTF programs, ensuring assessments account for threats such as money laundering, terrorism financing and the proliferation of weapons.
Stronger due diligence and lower thresholds
New standards bring Australia closer to international financial security norms.
The reforms place greater emphasis on Enhanced Customer Due Diligence (CDD) for high-risk clients, including politically exposed persons and cryptocurrency users.
In addition, the CDD transaction threshold will be lowered from AU$10,000 ($6,507) to AU$5,000 ($3,253), meaning more customer transactions will trigger reporting obligations.
The framework also introduces updated electronic transfer rules, new structures for reporting groups, and clearer definitions for legal professional privilege protections.
Aligning with FATF global standards
The shift marks Australia’s biggest step yet toward full international compliance.
The overhaul is designed to align Australia’s AML/CTF framework with recommendations from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Even established casinos that already comply with current rules will need to adapt, said Senet’s analysis.
Lovecek and Hoskins added:
“These changes will increase the compliance burden, but they also allow operators to streamline risk management and better protect their business from criminal exploitation.”
Preparing for 2026
Experts urge operators to act early before the reforms take effect.
Senet advised all gambling operators to begin reviewing governance, risk frameworks and AML programs immediately to ensure readiness by 2026.
With the new rules approaching, Australia’s gambling sector faces a delicate balancing act, navigating tougher compliance while keeping operations efficient and competitive.
Source: Asia Gaming Brief
