Australia’s casino, poker, and online betting operators will now manage their reporting obligations through a redesigned AUSTRAC Online platform. The financial watchdog said the new system offers improved security, simpler navigation, and clearer guidance at a time when gambling operators remain under strict regulatory scrutiny.
Recently, AUSTRAC initiated civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court against Mount Pritchard District and Community Club, commonly known as Mounties, citing alleged “serious and systemic non-compliance” with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) laws.
The updated platform is designed to give casinos, wagering companies, and gaming service providers a more efficient way to submit required reports. AUSTRAC said it has strengthened security features to protect sensitive customer and transaction data. The platform’s interface now works smoothly across mobile devices, tablets, and desktops, supporting staff who manage compliance tasks across large gaming operations.
Operators will also see enhanced self service options that allow them to update business information, complete due diligence steps and access support material with fewer manual processes. The streamlined layout aims to reduce errors and improve the accuracy of mandatory reporting.
The launch comes as AUSTRAC continues to increase oversight of Australia’s gambling sector. The regulator has taken multiple enforcement actions against casinos, pokie operators, sports betting companies and online gaming platforms for breaches of anti money laundering and counter terrorism financing laws.
Major operators The Star and Crown faced some of the most significant penalties. Reviews found failures in transaction monitoring, customer checks and internal controls. These investigations placed the entire casino industry under close watch and highlighted the need for stronger compliance systems.
Sports betting and online wagering companies have also been subject to AUSTRAC investigations. Several digital platforms were issued notices and fines after the regulator identified gaps in their reporting and customer verification processes.
Following AUSTRAC’s actions, casino and betting firms have increased investments in compliance teams, technology systems and staff training. Operators have expanded monitoring tools to detect suspicious activity and updated procedures for identifying high risk customers.
Many companies have also reviewed their responsible gambling frameworks. These updates aim to align operations with national standards and reduce the risk of financial crime linked to gaming transactions.
AUSTRAC said the redesigned online system is intended to support these industry reforms by offering clearer guidance and a more accessible reporting environment. Gambling operators must regularly submit transaction reports, suspicious matter reports and customer due diligence records. A digital platform with clearer instructions and fewer administrative steps is expected to help businesses meet these requirements more consistently.
The agency plans ongoing updates to the platform to ensure it adapts to changing laws and industry needs. It has encouraged all casino and betting operators to familiarise themselves with the new tools and use them to maintain strong compliance practices.
In August, Entain, a sports betting and gaming operator, set aside AU$100 million ($66 million) in its accounts as a provision for a potential penalty from the AUSTRAC. Speaking during the company’s H1 2025 earnings call, CEO Stella David emphasised that the amount is purely an accounting measure and does not represent a confirmed fine.
David stated, “I want to address one question up front, and that is about AUSTRAC. Some of you may have already noticed that there is a provision of approximately £50 million ($66 million) in our accounts. This provision is purely accounting-driven, and there is no certainty that the amount reflects what might ultimately become a potential penalty.”
The move follows action by the AUSTRAC, which initiated civil penalty proceedings against Entain Group Pty Ltd, the operator of well-known betting brands Ladbrokes and Neds. The regulator alleged that Entain committed serious breaches of AML and CTF laws.
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