Dentons partner Melissa Gomez Nelson says red flags were raised internally before regulators stepped in.
The hit
Regulators collected $34m from casino operators in September alone over anti-money laundering & know-your-customer failures, according to Dentons US partner Melissa Gomez Nelson at the Global Gaming Expo. One unnamed casino let a man gamble on 80 separate days without verifying his source of funds. Another was fined for letting a man gamble after designating him high-risk, despite receiving a tip.
Why it matters
For operators, panellists said regulators now want proof that compliance programmes actually work, not just paperwork. PwC advisory director Abigail Singley said enforcement actions have recently been loosened, shifting focus to risk-based programmes that are demonstrably effective. DraftKings’ AML officer said policies have become a floor, not a ceiling, with breakdowns between compliance & marketing teams cited as a recurring failure.
The record
| Unverified gambling days by one customer | 80 separate days, no source-of-funds check |
|---|---|
| High-risk gambler case | Fined despite a tip & high-risk designation |
| Panel venue | Global Gaming Expo, “Identifying & Managing Emerging Financial Crime Risks” |
What happens next
Panellists said regulators are focusing on the effectiveness of AML & KYC programmes, not just paper policies.
Sources: G2E: Subpar AML, know-your-customer procedures are on the rise – CDC Gaming
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