Federal financial intelligence agency, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), has raised concerns around finances at The Ville Resort-Casino in Townsville and Mindil Beach Casino Resort in Darwin.
The watchdog ordered the two casinos to appoint external auditors to assess their anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing (AML/CTF) compliance after identifying potential gaps and deficiencies in the AML/CTF controls, risk and oversight in the casinos.
These gaps could increase the risk of exploitation and the potential for money laundering, according to AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas
“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,” said Thomas.
“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.”
Thomas added that money laundering harms the Australian economy and allows criminals to profit from harmful crimes.
“We need to stamp it out,” said Thomas.
Following AUSTRAC’s appointment of external auditors, Mindil Beach Casino Resort General Manager Brad Morgan stated that the casino resort has, and will continue to, engage closely and constructively with Territory and Federal regulators.
“Mindil Beach Casino Resort welcomes the opportunity now to collaborate with AUSTRAC in Mindil Beach Casino Resort’s continuous pursuit of regulatory compliance and, where required, improvement,” said Morgan.
“Mindil Beach Casino Resort is an active member in the Northern Territory community and takes its regulatory and harm minimisation obligations seriously, always striving to ensure adherence with its compliance and regulatory obligations. This includes areas such as anti-money laundering/counter-terrorism financing, responsible service of gaming and responsible service of alcohol. In line with this, we are continually reviewing our processes, technology and resources to ensure we meet our compliance obligations.”
This article was updated on 6 June with comments from Brad Morgan.
Laura Box
