WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Gaming Association (AGA) has released updates to its Best Practices for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance Guide, a blueprint for the gaming industry to strengthen compliance programs amid evolving laws, technologies, and emerging criminal activity.
“Maintaining up-to-date AML policies is essential to safeguarding the gaming industry’s operations, employees, and customers – and to protecting the integrity of the U.S. financial system,” said Alex Costello, VP of Government Relations at the American Gaming Association. “We encourage all casino operators and suppliers to use this resource to continually refine their practices as both the industry and threat environment change.”
Key updates include:
- Enhanced guidance for Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols and Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) filings
- New risk assessment section aligned with regulatory expectations
- Expanded focus on online activity, digital wallets, and cryptocurrency
- Broader coverage of fraud risk
- New typologies and red flags to help staff identify and deter malicious activity
- Dedicated section addressing human trafficking risks linked to money laundering
Since the last update in 2022, the U.S. now has over 1,000 land-based casinos, 10 states have legalized sports betting, and one has legalized iGaming – expansion that has only strengthened the industry’s commitment to strong compliance. The legal state-regulated U.S. gaming industry is recognized as a leader in AML compliance – working closely with regulators, law enforcement, and compliance experts to continually raise the bar as new technologies, regulations, and risks develop.
