Compliance Reviews Initiated at The Ville Resort-Casino and Mindil Beach Casino Resort
The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) has directed The Ville Resort-Casino in Townsville and Mindil Beach Casino Resort in Darwin to appoint external auditors to scrutinise their compliance with Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) laws.
The directive, issued in May 2025, follows the identification of potential gaps in AML/CTF controls, including risk management practices and internal governance structures. According to AUSTRAC, the reviews are necessary to ensure both regional casinos maintain adequate frameworks to detect and prevent illicit financial activities.
Focus of the Independent Audit
The appointed external auditors will conduct a comprehensive assessment of each casino’s AML/CTF compliance. This includes evaluating:
The design and effectiveness of the casino’s AML/CTF program
Procedures for risk identification and mitigation
The governance structure surrounding compliance obligations
Ongoing customer due diligence and transaction monitoring
All audit costs will be borne by the respective casinos. Once completed, the auditors will submit their findings directly to AUSTRAC, which will then determine if additional regulatory or enforcement action is warranted.
Industry-Wide Crackdown Continues
This move is part of a broader campaign by AUSTRAC to strengthen AML/CTF compliance in Australia’s gambling industry. In recent years, the regulator has taken significant enforcement actions against major operators such as Crown Resorts, The Star, SkyCity, and several online betting companies, including Entain, Sportsbet, and Bet365.
Brendan Thomas, CEO of AUSTRAC, emphasised the agency’s commitment to industry-wide integrity:
“Although they may be smaller than entities such as Crown Resorts and The Star, like all gambling venues, The Ville and Mindil Beach face heightened risk of exploitation by criminals.”
He added,
“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.”
Heightened Expectations for All Gambling Operators
The action serves as a reminder that no gambling venue is exempt from the need for rigorous AML/CTF protocols, regardless of size or market share. Smaller operators are increasingly being brought into focus as regulators aim to plug systemic vulnerabilities across the entire sector.
AUSTRAC’s firm stance reflects growing concern over the exploitation of Australia’s gambling venues by organised crime groups. If the audit findings reveal significant shortcomings, the casinos may face sanctions, enforceable undertakings, or civil penalties.
Looking Ahead
The results of the independent audits could have a far-reaching impact on how smaller and regional gambling operators approach their AML/CTF obligations. Industry stakeholders and compliance officers across the country will be closely watching how The Ville and Mindil Beach respond to the scrutiny—and whether AUSTRAC escalates its regulatory actions.
