AML/CTF Rules 2025 — What Gaming Venues Need to Know
AUSTRAC has released the 2025 version of the AML/CTF Rules 2007, introducing major updates for venues offering gambling services, especially those with electronic gaming machines (EGMs).
The changes represent a shift from box-ticking to active, Board-led oversight and risk-based compliance.
Why it Matters
From 2025 onwards, venues will face:
- Tighter enrolment and governance requirements
- Stricter customer due diligence (CDD) for high-risk patrons and PEPs
- Expanded suspicious and threshold reporting obligations
- More frequent, broader independent reviews
These changes apply even to small venues (≤15 EGMs) that were previously exempt.
Key Changes at a Glance
- Enrolment: Venues must confirm if they qualify for the small venue exemption and declare it during enrolment.
- CDD: Senior managers/Boards must approve services to PEPs and high-risk patrons before proceeding.
- Governance: Boards are now directly accountable and must receive regular AML/CTF reports.
- Reporting: Cashless/visitor card systems may be captured in suspicious/threshold reporting.
- Training: Must be tailored to your venue. Generic AUSTRAC modules aren’t enough.
- Independent Reviews: Must broaden in scope and occur annually or biannually from 2026.
Compliance Timeline
| When | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 2025 (now) | Confirm enrolment status and update forms |
| Mid-2026 | Update AML/CTF Program (PEP escalation, board reporting, training) |
| Late 2026 | Upgrade systems to capture cashless/visitor card reporting |
| From 2026 | Conduct annual independent reviews + deliver quarterly reports to the Board |
Who's Responsible for What
- Board/Directors: approve AML/CTF Program, fund training/systems, review quarterly reports, approve PEP/high-risk cases
- Compliance Officer: update AML/CTF Program, manage SMRs/TTRs, liaise with AUSTRAC, run training and reviews, report to the Board
- Managers: monitor patrons, escalate suspicious activity, ensure staff training completion
- Staff: collect KYC data, submit internal SMRs, complete annual training and observe suspicious activity
What do to Next
- Update your AML/CTF Program for 2025
- Begin quarterly AML/CTF Board reports
- Tailor training to your venue’s specific risk profile
- Enable cashless/visitor card reporting
- Schedule regular independent reviews
One Platform. Total Control.
How ComplianceTrackr helps gaming venues stay compliant:
- Real-Time AML/CTF Program Access - All your policies, risk assessments and updates in one secure portal.
- Role-Specific Training Modules - Tailored learning for boards, managers and frontline staff.
- In-App Suspicious Matter Reporting - Log and escalate SMRs with full audit trails.
- Digital KYC & Transaction Logs - Track ID checks and payouts. No more paper forms.
- Role-Based Records & Smart Alerts - Right info to the right people, with reminders for training & audits.
Be audit-ready — and stress-free.
Download our full PDF guide:
AML/CTF Rules 2025 — What Gaming Venues Need to Know
Learn more about ComplianceTrackr
