AGA Strengthens AML Guidance with New Focus on Digital Threats and Fraud Prevention
The revised guide places greater emphasis on Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures and Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) filings, reflecting both heightened regulatory scrutiny and the sophistication of financial crime in today’s market.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) has released an updated version of its Best Practices for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance Guide, introducing a broader set of measures designed to help casinos and gaming operators navigate evolving risks in the regulatory landscape.
The revised guide places greater emphasis on Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures and Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) filings, reflecting both heightened regulatory scrutiny and the sophistication of financial crime in today’s market. For the first time, a dedicated section on risk assessments has been included, offering operators a structured approach aligned with supervisory expectations.
In a clear sign of how the threat environment is shifting, the AGA has also expanded its coverage of digital channels, from online activity and digital wallets to the growing role of cryptocurrency. Updated typologies and “red flags” aim to equip frontline staff with practical tools to spot illicit behaviour, while an entirely new section addresses the intersection of human trafficking and money laundering.
“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,” commented Alex Costello, Vice President of Government Relations at the AGA. “We encourage all casino operators and suppliers to use this resource to continually refine their practices as both the industry and threat environment change.”
The new guidance arrives at a pivotal time for U.S. gaming. Since the guide’s last update in 2022, the industry has surpassed 1,000 land-based casinos, while ten states have moved to regulate sports betting and one has introduced iGaming legislation. With rapid expansion comes heightened regulatory risk — and the AGA’s latest guidance seeks to position the sector ahead of emerging threats.
Related News: AGA Report: US Black Market Gambling Hits $673.6bn Annually
