Entain Faces Multi-Million Dollar Fine for Alleged Breach of Australia’s Anti-Money Laundering Law

Legal proceedings have begun in Australia between the financial regulator AUSTRAC and gambling operator Entain, which runs the Ladbrokes and Neds betting brands in the country, Gambling News reports.

AUSTRAC accuses Entain of failing to maintain adequate customer due diligence, allegedly allowing criminal organizations to use its platforms for money laundering between 2018 and 2024.

According to the regulator, 17 suspicious gaming accounts processed around AUD 152 million (around USD 100 million).

In response, Entain admitted that its internal controls at the time “were not up to standard,” but insisted the lapses were unintentional and not aimed at breaking the law.

If the court sides with AUSTRAC, the operator could face fines reaching hundreds of millions of dollars.
For comparison, Australian casino giants Crown and SkyCity were previously fined AUD 450 million and AUD 67 million, respectively, over similar cases.

Gambling Park adds: Entain has already set aside AUD 100 million in anticipation of a possible penalty, though the company remains confident that the final outcome will be less severe.