The American Gaming Association (AGA) has released an updated edition of its Best Practices for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance Guide, reflecting the rapid evolution of regulations, technology, and financial crime. The document is intended to help the U.S. gaming industry reinforce compliance frameworks in both land-based and online environments.
“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, Vice President 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.”
Expanded Coverage for Digital Finance and Risk Management
The latest revision incorporates several new components aimed at aligning industry practices with federal regulatory expectations. Among the most notable updates are:
- Strengthened Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols and enhanced guidance for filing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs).
- A new risk assessment framework, designed to help operators meet shifting compliance requirements.
- Broader treatment of fraud risk, with typologies and red flags to assist employees in recognizing suspicious behavior.
- A dedicated section outlining the connection between human trafficking and money laundering, underscoring the role gaming operators can play in detecting and disrupting illicit networks.
- Additional guidance on online activity, digital wallets, and cryptocurrency, which have become increasingly important in both legitimate and criminal financial activity.
The AGA emphasized that these additions reflect the industry’s responsibility to stay ahead of rapidly changing crime patterns and to maintain its position as a leader in AML compliance.
Industry Growth Driving Compliance Evolution
The decision to revise the guide comes during a period of significant expansion across the U.S. gaming landscape. Since the last update in 2022, the market has grown to more than 1,000 land-based casinos, while ten states have legalized sports betting and one state has introduced regulated iGaming.
With this growth has come increased pressure on operators to strengthen oversight and adapt to emerging risks. The AGA noted that legal, regulated casinos continue to work closely with federal and state regulators, as well as law enforcement agencies, to ensure compliance systems evolve alongside new threats.
The association also linked the timing of the guide’s release to broader concerns about the scale of illegal gambling. In August, the AGA reported that Americans wager an estimated $673.6 billion annually with unlicensed operators, depriving state governments of $15.3 billion in tax revenue. The group argued that robust AML practices in the regulated sector are key to distinguishing legal operations from the black market.
A Resource for the Future
By adding cryptocurrency, digital wallets, and human trafficking concerns to its best practices framework, the AGA has positioned the new guide as a tool for operators to navigate both today’s risks and tomorrow’s challenges.
The guide, the AGA said, is intended not just as a set of rules, but as a resource for ongoing adaptation—helping casinos, suppliers, and digital platforms reinforce compliance, protect customers, and maintain the credibility of the U.S. financial system.
Source:
“American Gaming Association Releases Updates to its Best Practices Guide for Anti-Money Laundering Compliance”, americangaming.org, September 29, 2025
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