AGA Updates AML Guidance with Digital, Crypto Focus

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AGA Updates AML Guidance with Digital, Crypto Focus

The American Gaming Association (AGA) has released a major update to its Best Practices for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance Guide to address evolving threats in digital payments, wallets, and cryptocurrencies. 

The refreshed guidance strengthens protocols around Know Your Customer (KYC), Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), and risk assessments. It also adds new typologies, red flags, and dedicated sections on fraud and human trafficking risk. 

This update marks the first substantial revision since 2022. AGA leaders emphasize the need for the U.S. gaming sector to stay ahead of criminals using online and digital tools. 

AGA AML Best Practices’ Key Updates

According to the AGA press release, key changes include:

  • Enhanced KYC protocols and more rigorous SAR filing standards 
  • A new risk assessment section more aligned with regulator expectations 
  • Greater emphasis on online activity, digital wallets, and crypto transactions 
  • More fraud typologies and red-flag indicators 
  • A dedicated human trafficking risk section tied to money laundering 

AGA Vice President Alex Costello noted the importance of these updates:

“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.”

Costello urged all casino operators and suppliers to use the updated guide to refine their practices as the industry and risks evolve.

Impact Across US iGaming Industry

The AML update carries significant implications for US online casinos, online sportsbooks, and crypto casinos operating in or targeting the U.S. market.

First, online operators must integrate stronger KYC and identity verification systems. The new guidance pushes real money casinos toward more robust onboarding and monitoring. 

Meanwhile, online sportsbooks face heightened scrutiny of deposit, withdrawal, and transaction routing. 

Crypto casinos are perhaps the most affected. The new guide explicitly expands compliance expectations around digital wallets and cryptocurrency flows. Crypto-based operators must now guard against misuse of tokens, chain mixing, and layering schemes. 

Additionally, the broader U.S. gambling industry may face increased regulator demands. State and federal regulators could incorporate elements of the AGA’s guidance into oversight of US online casinos and online sportsbooks. 

The AGA’s update positions the industry to confront modern threats more aggressively. The challenge now lies in execution, especially for operators bridging traditional gaming and digital asset environments.