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AUSTRAC Drops Claims Against Entain, Narrows Investigation

By

Maria Khomeriki

-

12 September 2025

 

AUSTRAC, Australia’s financial crime regulator, has reduced its claims against Entain while continuing to investigate potential breaches of anti-money laundering (AML) rules.

The investigation concerns Entain’s Australian subsidiaries — Ladbrokes and Neds — and was launched in December 2024 over suspicions of the group’s involvement in money laundering and fraud through criminal accounts.

AUSTRAC alleges that the company failed to fully comply with AML procedures, allowing 17 high-risk customers to spend AUD 152 million (£74.2 million / $94.2 million) without proper checks.

In particular, Entain is accused of allowing a player with significant links to drug trafficking to launder over AUD 20 million ($12.6 million) through its operations.

Narrowing Focus

In its updated statement, AUSTRAC removed claims that Entain breached its duties as a remittance provider under AML and counter-terrorism financing laws by failing to report suspicious transactions in and out of customer accounts.

The company argues that it is not a remittance provider, meaning it does not facilitate money transfers as its core service.

AUSTRAC’s decision is partially understandable given its policy regarding companies that fall under the definition of a remittance provider.

The AUSTRAC website notes that some companies, including online gambling providers, may transfer funds overseas on behalf of their customers, but this is secondary to their main business. According to the regulator, such transfers “do not constitute a formal remittance system.”

Entain Remains Under Scrutiny

Despite narrowing its claims, AUSTRAC continues to insist that Entain breached its obligations as a gambling operator.

Specifically, the company allegedly failed to intervene when a player with significant links to drug trafficking wagered over $1 million in a year.

In April, Entain CEO Stella David told iGaming Expert: “We take these allegations extremely seriously and continue to fully cooperate with AUSTRAC. We are committed to keeping financial crime out of gambling and continuing to support a well-regulated and compliant sector for our customers, stakeholders, and the wider community.”

Former CEO Gavin Isaacs, who abruptly left his role in February 2025, previously noted that the group is implementing further improvements to Entain Australia’s AML and CTF compliance measures.

Entain and AUSTRAC remain in mediation, and the group has set aside £51 million ($64.8 million) to address the matter, although Entain claims the amount relates to accounting and does not reflect a potential penalty.