AUSTRAC (Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre) has ordered external audits of The Ville Resort-Casino in Townsville and Mindil Beach Casino Resort in Darwin to assess their compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) regulations.
The move follows concerns over deficiencies in risk controls and oversight, highlighting vulnerabilities in smaller casino operations.
AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas emphasised that all gambling venues, regardless of size, face heightened criminal exploitation risks. Audits will determine whether further regulatory action is necessary to strengthen compliance measures.
Thomas said: “AUSTRAC is serious about driving illicit money out of the gambling industry in Australia and making sure businesses that facilitate gambling have strong money laundering controls.
“This action follows major actions we have taken against other casinos, Crown Resorts, Sky City, and The Star and online bookmakers, Entain, Sports bet and Bet 365.
“My message to boards and CEOs of gambling business, including pubs and clubs with gaming machines, is to make sure you comply with Australian money laundering laws and take your responsibility to tackle money laundering seriously; we are watching and we will take further action."
The audits will evaluate whether casinos maintain effective AML/CTF programs that mitigate financial crime risks. Key areas of assessment including risk management frameworks, customer monitoring, and board-level oversight of compliance efforts.
AUSTRAC has warned gambling operators, including pubs and clubs with gaming machines, to take their legal obligations seriously or face enforcement actions.
The casinos will bear the cost of audits, reinforcing AUSTRAC’s commitment to industry accountability.
AUSTRAC’s crackdown on financial crime in the gambling sector follows previous enforcement actions against major operators like Crown Resorts, Sky City, and The Star.
Online bookmakers such as Entain, Sportsbet, and Bet365 have also faced scrutiny for AML/CTF compliance failures.
Thomas reiterated that money laundering enables criminal enterprises to profit from serious offenses, necessitating strict regulatory oversight. AUSTRAC aims to eliminate illicit financial activity from Australia’s gambling industry through rigorous enforcement.
Casino operators must ensure robust compliance frameworks to prevent financial crime and protect sector integrity.
Audits will assess whether risk assessments adequately address customer vulnerabilities and transaction monitoring practices. AUSTRAC’s intervention signals increased regulatory pressure on gambling businesses to strengthen AML/CTF controls.
The agency remains committed to stamping out money laundering and safeguarding Australia’s financial system.
