Legal

Date: 28.10.2025

by Sebastian Warowny

Last update: 28.10.2025 10:46

Entain Files Defence Responding to AUSTRAC’s AML Allegations

Entain Australia has filed its Defence in the Federal Court, responding to AUSTRAC’s allegations of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) failings. The company acknowledged past compliance shortcomings but maintains that several of the regulator’s claims are inaccurate.

Compliance Overhaul Following AUSTRAC Allegations

The company admitted that its earlier AML/CTF compliance program, covering the period between December 2018 and August 2024, contained certain deficiencies. However, Entain also challenged a number of AUSTRAC’s interpretations and allegations outlined in the legal filing.

Over the past two years, Entain stated it has made significant investments to strengthen its compliance systems and culture. According to the company, the transformation has included:

  • A tenfold increase in AML/CTF staffing;

  • Tens of millions of dollars invested in upgraded systems and technology;

  • Closure of all cash payment channels, which previously accounted for less than 2% of deposits;

  • Closure of 17 customer accounts linked to the proceedings, some as early as 2020;

  • Implementation of new governance, controls, and risk oversight processes;

  • A refreshed leadership team focused on a “compliance-first” culture.

Entain emphasised that it has fully cooperated with AUSTRAC and continues to engage with the regulator constructively and in good faith.

Leadership Response

Andrew Vouris, CEO of Entain Australia & New Zealand, issued an apology and reiterated the company’s commitment to compliance:

“We sincerely regret that our old program didn’t meet expectations. We followed expert advice at the time but, looking back, we recognise the old program missed the mark.

We’ve acknowledged our shortcomings, taken responsibility, and spent the last two years learning from them and fixing them.

Entain has fundamentally transformed its approach to compliance and now operates a market-leading program, underpinned by a compliance-first culture – to Win, But not at all costs.”