AML/KYC Policy - Anti-Money Laundering and Identity Verification

Last updated: 12 February 2026

This page explains the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements that apply to online gambling platforms operating in or accessible from Australia. While Chicken Road Australia does not operate a casino, accept deposits, or process financial transactions, we believe it is important for our readers to understand these essential safeguards.

AML/KYC procedures are a critical component of the regulatory framework governing financial services and gambling in Australia. They are designed to prevent money laundering, terrorism financing, fraud, and identity theft — and to protect you as a player.

1. What Is AML/KYC?

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) refers to the laws, regulations, and procedures designed to prevent criminals from disguising illegally obtained funds as legitimate income. In the context of online gambling, AML measures ensure that platforms are not used to launder money derived from criminal activities.

Know Your Customer (KYC) is the process by which a gambling operator verifies the identity of its customers. KYC procedures are a core part of AML compliance and are required before a player can deposit, withdraw, or in some cases, place wagers.

Together, AML and KYC form the foundation of responsible financial practices in the online gambling industry. They protect both the operator and the player from fraud, identity theft, and financial crime.

2. Australian Regulatory Framework

In Australia, AML/KYC obligations are primarily governed by the following legislation and regulatory bodies:

2.1 Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (Cth)

The AML/CTF Act 2006 is the principal Commonwealth legislation regulating anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing in Australia. It applies to "reporting entities" — businesses that provide designated services, including gambling services. Key obligations under the Act include:

• Customer identification and verification (KYC)
• Ongoing customer due diligence
• Monitoring and reporting suspicious transactions (suspicious matter reports — SMRs)
• Reporting large cash transactions (threshold transaction reports — TTRs) over A$10,000
• Maintaining an AML/CTF programme
• Record-keeping for a minimum of 7 years

2.2 AUSTRAC

The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) is the Australian Government's financial intelligence agency responsible for overseeing compliance with the AML/CTF Act. AUSTRAC monitors reporting entities, including gambling operators, to ensure they meet their obligations. Operators who fail to comply face significant penalties, including fines and criminal prosecution.

AUSTRAC has taken enforcement action against major Australian gambling operators in the past, reinforcing the importance of AML/KYC compliance across the industry.

2.3 Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth)

While the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 primarily regulates the provision of gambling services, it operates alongside the AML/CTF Act to create a comprehensive regulatory environment for online gambling in Australia.

3. Required Documents for KYC Verification

When you register with an online gambling platform, you will typically be required to provide documentation to verify your identity. The specific requirements vary between operators, but commonly requested documents include:

3.1 Proof of Identity

• Australian passport (current or expired within the last 2 years)
• Australian driver's licence or learner's permit
• Australian state or territory proof of age card
• ImmiCard or foreign passport with a valid Australian visa

3.2 Proof of Address

• Recent utility bill (electricity, gas, water — issued within the last 3 months)
• Bank or financial institution statement (issued within the last 3 months)
• Australian Electoral Commission enrolment confirmation
• Government-issued correspondence showing your name and address

3.3 Proof of Payment Method

• Bank statement showing the account used for deposits
• Screenshot or photo of the e-wallet account (e.g., PayPal, Skrill, or Neteller) with name visible
• Front of debit/credit card (with middle digits obscured for security)

Important: All documents must be clear, legible, and unaltered. Operators may reject submissions that are blurry, cropped, or appear to have been tampered with.

4. The Verification Process

The KYC verification process typically follows these steps:

1. Registration: You create an account on the platform, providing your full legal name, date of birth, residential address, email, and phone number.
2. Document submission: You upload the required identity and address documents through the platform's secure verification portal.
3. Review: The operator's compliance team reviews your documents. Some platforms use automated identity verification systems (such as GreenID or Digital iD) that cross-reference your details with government databases.
4. Outcome: You are notified whether your verification was successful. If additional information is required, the platform will contact you.
5. Account activation: Once verified, you can access the full range of deposit, wagering, and withdrawal features.

Timeframes

Verification timeframes depend on the platform and the method used:

• Automated verification: Often completed within minutes, using electronic identity verification services
• Manual review: Typically takes 24 to 72 hours, though some platforms may take up to 5 business days during peak periods
• Enhanced due diligence: For high-value accounts or where discrepancies arise, additional checks may extend the process

We recommend completing KYC verification as early as possible — ideally during registration — to avoid delays when you request a withdrawal.

5. Data Protection and Security

We understand that submitting personal documents can raise privacy concerns. Reputable online gambling platforms are required to handle your data in accordance with:

• Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs): These regulate how personal information is collected, stored, used, and disclosed by organisations in Australia.
• AML/CTF Act record-keeping requirements: Operators must retain KYC records for a minimum of 7 years after the end of the customer relationship, stored securely and accessible only to authorised personnel.
• Industry security standards: Reputable platforms use SSL/TLS encryption, secure document upload portals, and access controls to protect your data during transmission and storage.

Before submitting documents, we recommend verifying that the platform:

• Uses HTTPS encryption (look for the padlock icon in your browser's address bar)
• Has a published privacy policy explaining how your documents are handled
• Is licensed and regulated by a recognised authority
• Does not request documents via unencrypted email or messaging apps

For more information on how we handle your data on this Site, please see our Privacy Policy.

6. Why AML/KYC Matters for Players

While the verification process may seem inconvenient, AML/KYC procedures exist to protect you. Benefits include:

• Fraud prevention: KYC helps prevent unauthorised individuals from accessing your account or stealing your identity
• Faster withdrawals: Pre-verified accounts typically experience faster withdrawal processing times
• Legal compliance: Platforms that follow AML/KYC rules are more likely to be legitimate, well-regulated operations
• Account security: Verified accounts have additional layers of protection against hacking and social engineering attacks
• Financial system integrity: AML measures help keep the financial system clean and reduce the impact of organised crime

7. Contact

If you have any questions about AML/KYC requirements or need guidance on the verification process, please visit our contact page. For regulatory enquiries, you can contact AUSTRAC directly at austrac.gov.au.