AGA Updates Guide for Anti-Money Laundering Compliance

The American Gaming Association (AGA) has released the latest updates to its Best Practices for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance Guide, a cornerstone resource designed to help the U.S. gaming industry strengthen compliance programs amid shifting laws, technological innovation, and emerging criminal threats.

According to Alex Costello, Vice President of Government Relations at the AGA, “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. We encourage all casino operators and suppliers to use this resource to continually refine their practices as both the industry and threat environment change.”

Key AML Updates in the 2025 Guide

Strengthened Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols and Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) filing guidance.

A new risk assessment framework aligned with regulatory expectations.

Expanded coverage of online activity, digital wallets, and cryptocurrency.

Broader emphasis on fraud detection and prevention.

Fresh typologies and red flags to help casino staff identify illicit activity.

A dedicated section on human trafficking risks linked to money laundering.

Why It Matters

Since the last AML guide update in 2022, the U.S. gaming market has grown rapidly: the country now hosts over 1,000 land-based casinos, while ten states have legalized sports betting and one state has approved iGaming. This expansion underscores the importance of robust compliance frameworks to protect both operators and players.

The U.S. state-regulated gaming industry continues to be recognized as a global leader in AML compliance, working closely with regulators, law enforcement, and industry experts to adapt to new challenges and maintain the integrity of financial systems.