It is clear that Australia's and New Zealand’s gambling regulatory landscape will continue to evolve at pace as 2026 progresses. From important AML/CTF reforms and heightened regulatory enforcement activity, to the imminent introduction of New Zealand’s online casino licensing regime, unresolved questions around cashless gaming and prospective advertising restrictions, operators face a year of significant change and in which compliance decisions carry material commercial consequences.

This article provides a structured overview of some of the key regulatory developments most likely to affect wagering, gaming and broader gambling businesses in 2026 - what has changed, what remains uncertain and where attention should be focused now to stay ahead of what is coming.

Australia’s AML/CTF reforms represent one of the most significant shifts in the country’s financial crime regulatory framework in recent years.

Designed to address the evolving risks of money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing, these changes will fundamentally reshape how organisations identify, manage and mitigate financial crime risk.

For existing reporting entities, the 31 March 2026 is the date when new obligations formally commence for existing reporting entities.

Significant reforms to Australia’s AML/CTF regime will take effect from 31 March 2026, impacting all existing reporting entities. While engaging external advisors can support effective compliance, venues remain legally responsible for meeting their obligations. Selecting the right advisor requires careful consideration of expertise, methodology and approach.

The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has recently released its Annual Plan for 2025-26, setting out its regulatory priorities and objectives for the year ahead.

Significant reforms to Australia’s AML/CTF regime will take effect in 2026 impacting both existing reporting entities, including gaming venues, wagering service providers and casinos.

AUSTRAC, has commenced civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court against Mount Pritchard District and Community Club (Mounties).

In Australia, Customer Due Diligence (or CDD) involves taking steps to identify your customers and ensuring that your business is managing the money laundering and terrorism financing risk they may pose.

Not all AML/CTF advisory services offer the same level of expertise or depth of analysis. Choosing the right provider can make a significant difference to the quality and effectiveness of a gaming venue, pub or hotel’s AML/CTF program.

Liquor & Gaming NSW recently completed 200+ compliance inspections of cash dispensing facilities at hotels and registered clubs. Here are their findings.

To shed light on anti-money laundering challenges and best practices for gaming venues, Senet’s Advisory and Compliance Principal, Alexandra Hoskins, sat down with Mike Barouche from the Australian Hotels Association Victoria (AHA (Vic)).

The Gambling Legislation Amendment (Pre-commitment and Carded Play) Bill 2024 (Vic) (Bill) was read in the Legislative Assembly for a second time on 27 November 2024.

From 29 September 2024, more stringent customer identification and pre-verification requirements applicable to WSPs will come into force across all Australian jurisdictions.

Poorly drafted and unfair contract terms and conditions can exacerbate the level of customer complaints received by operators and in turn regulatory bodies.

Australian Government, Attorney-General's Department - Paper 5: Broader reforms to simplify, clarify and modernise the regime