Casinos

Casinos are highly complex businesses requiring sophisticated governance frameworks to vigilantly mitigate money laundering and minimise gambling harm.

Although online casinos are illegal in Australia under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth), land-based casinos play an important role within the broader regulated gambling landscape in Australia.

Casino operators in Australia have come under immense government, regulatory and community scrutiny over recent years (including following detailed examination through public royal commissions and similar processes and inquiries) due to issues including failures in relation to anti-money laundering and risk management frameworks (including in relation to junkets) and protecting consumers against the risks of gambling harm.

This has led to significant reform efforts in casinos around the country and an uplift in compliance practices to minimise risks of criminal influence and exploitation. It is critical that operators have in place robust internal control systems and procedures to respond effectively to the risks and compliance obligations on these businesses.

Casino Control Act

Land-based casinos in Australia are primarily regulated by State government regulators and law enforcement agencies. Each State and Territory has a relevant Casino Control Act (or similar legislation) under which casino licences have been issued. A land-based casino licence permits the relevant casino to typically offer traditional table games and gaming machines.

The Interactive Gambling Act 2001

Online casinos are not permitted under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth) IGA. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) monitors compliance with and enforces the interactive gambling laws. The ACMA has the power to, amongst other things, instigate civil proceedings in Australia, notify border protection agencies of the names of directors/principals of offending illegal offshore operators (who may then be placed on a ‘movement alert list’ thereby disrupting any travel to Australia) and liaise with foreign regulators to stop alleged offenders.

The ACMA has recently demonstrated that where illegal gambling products are offered in Australia they will serve warning notices and take other action (including referring matters to the Australian Federal Police). They will also issue notices to Internet Service Providers to block offending sites. These are typically online casinos. Software developers and other third parties will often receive letters from the ACMA in circumstances where the ACMA believes they are ancillary to a contravention of the IGA.

Casino lawyers and gambling law experts

Senet has a highly experienced team of casino advisors with executive level industry experience advising regulators and operators in the gaming and gambling sector. Our industry experience and deep insight and knowledge of complex casino organisations enable us to uniquely advise to manage legal, regulatory and compliance risks. Our experts are immersed in the industry, speaking at leading gaming conferences and maintain strong networks in the casino and gaming industry. We understand the key issues and risks and work closely with key stakeholders to deliver the right outcomes. 

We can assist in relation to: 

• Advising on legal and regulatory obligations 

• Compliance and control registers and procedures 

• Mergers and acquisitions 

• Responsible gambling frameworks and compliance 

• Debt and equity financing 

• Regulatory investigations and assurance activities 

• Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism (AML/CTF) financing compliance 

• Litigation and dispute resolution 

Gambling compliance training

Through the Senet Compliance Academy, we offer comprehensive gambling compliance training to the casino sector, ensuring staff remain compliant with Australia’s legal and regulatory standards. Our courses are designed to help businesses cultivate a compliance culture, protect against financial crime and reduce gambling-related harm.