ACMA and regulation of gambling financial transactions


ACMA's role in the industry

The Australian Communications and Media Commission (ACMA) is the country's key regulator of online gambling. In addition to overseeing operator licensing, it oversees financial transactions to protect players and prevent illegal activity.

The main tasks of ACMA are:
  • ensuring transparency of financial flows;
  • prevention of money laundering (AML) and terrorist financing (CTF);
  • protecting consumers from unfair practices;
  • blocking illegal online casinos.

Prohibited replenishment and withdrawal methods

ACMA has established clear rules regarding acceptable payment methods:
  • Credit cards - prohibited for use in online gambling from 2021;
  • Anonymous methods (some prepaid cards and wallets without KYC) - limited;
  • Cryptocurrencies - allowed only through licensed payment gateways with mandatory identity.

AML/CTF regulation

Operators are required to comply with laws on money laundering and terrorist financing. For this:
  • each player passes mandatory verification (KYC);
  • transactions are monitored for suspicious transactions;
  • casinos are required to keep reports and, if necessary, provide them to the regulator.

Interaction with banks and providers

ACMA works closely with Australia's largest banks (Commonwealth Bank, NAB, ANZ, Westpac) to block illegal payments.
Payment providers are required to have licenses and comply with PCI DSS and ISO security requirements.
Banks can suspend operations if they violate domestic or government rules.

Responsible play and financial constraints

ACMA requires casinos to:
  • allowing players to set deposits and spending limits;
  • availability of self-exclusion tools;
  • protecting vulnerable groups from excessive spending.

Sanctions for violations

If a casino or payment provider violates ACMA requirements:
  • their activities may be blocked in Australia;
  • banks are required to stop servicing such transactions;
  • serious fines are imposed on operators.

Conclusion

ACMA plays a key role in creating a secure payment environment in online gambling in Australia. Banning credit cards, strict AML/CTF requirements, control over cryptocurrencies and mandatory licensing of payment providers - all this is aimed at allowing players to top up accounts and withdraw winnings safely and legally.