Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) has introduced new regulations for the online gambling industry. The objective is to curb criminal exploitation in order to safeguard customers’ interests. Online gambling operators are now required to thoroughly follow new regulations, which entail verifying customer IDs through KYC.
They were introduced in September of last year, which is 2023. Full enforcement began on September 29, 2024. Online gambling operators must complete Applicable Customer Identification Procedures (ACIP) before creating a new account.
Requirements for Online Gambling Operators
ACIP must be followed to ensure that customers are who they claim to be and that the details about beneficial owners of registered entities are correct. Other two reasons are:
- Check the intended nature of the business
- Check if customers or owners are politically exposed persons, also known as PEP
A few things that ACIP must consider are the nature and size of the business— the identity of an individual in the second scenario. Further, it is important to examine the relationship between clients and the business. Online gambling operators must confirm the legitimacy of the funding source. This could happen through a self-declaration column, which eventually enables relevant authorities to conduct a review if a scenario is found to be suspicious.
Impact on Operators and Customers
As Australia enforces stricter customer identification requirements, online casinos in Australia must implement robust verification processes before allowing users to gamble. This ensures a safer environment for players while helping operators comply with the new regulations.
It affects operators and customers differently, as explained below.
- Making the transition to advanced identity verification technology will have an impact on online gambling operators. It also impacts the transition to innovative technology that ensures the safety of both online gambling operators and their customers. Challenges could be in the form of updating the entire platform or helping customers navigate through the process, which could initially seem complicated.
- Customers are affected by the transition from the initial stage to the final stage of establishing an account on the platform. Their participation may be delayed if the verification process is difficult to navigate or if it takes longer than expected.
Online gambling platforms may face challenges in their initial days. The process would be more seamless as customers provide their feedback or as platforms upgrade their mechanisms to make it more convenient. The idea is to create a safer environment for players and assist operators in functioning under compliance.
Role of ID Verification Technology
A seamless and efficient ID verification process is the need of the hour for two reasons: first, it allows customers to get started quickly, and second, it allows platforms to remain compliant with legal guidelines.
Some of the ID verification technologies in the online gambling sector are Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Biometric, Chip Dumping, and IDMscan. AI and Blockchain technologies are gaining more traction as they are effective in analyzing large amounts of data. Chip Dumping is more laborious as it combines NFC technology and biometrics to extract information for verification.
Companies can use their Australian Business Number or Australian Company Number for verification. They are 11-digit and 9-digit numbers assigned to companies by authorities.
Timeline and Transition Period
The transition period would see a shift from interim measures to full compliance. It could take up to one year, giving operators sufficient time to update and upgrade their platforms in accordance with new requirements. Interim measures required them to take due diligence in verifying IDs. A shift requires them to reverify identities and take actions on reasonable grounds to suspend accounts that don’t meet regulatory conditions.
The transition from interim to full-fledged compliance measures includes checking circumstances, provided they are suspicious.
Legal and Regulatory Frameworks
AUSTRAC is responsible for regulating online gambling in Australia. The revenue is projected to reach $4.93 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 2.10% towards market volume by 2029. This requires AUSTRAC to keep a tougher eye as platforms can be misused by malicious actors.
Legal consequences of failing to comply with new customer ID regulations could lead to a fine and/or suspension of the platform. There is a good probability that online gambling sites will be penalized before being suspended, giving them a chance to rectify their mistakes/errors.
