Federal Court Judge Criticizes Expert Reports on Both Sides of Entain-AUSTRAC Dispute
Justice Cameron Moore criticized experts from both Entain and AUSTRAC for over-reliance on one internal risk register rather than providing real expertise. This follows his AU$260m penalty ruling against The Star. The Entain trial begins next month amid wider Australian regulatory pressure on gambling operators.
SCCG Take — The judge's stance on expert evidence raises the evidentiary bar in AML cases. Operators must ensure compliance records stand independently beyond single documents to withstand similar scrutiny.
A Federal Court judge has criticized expert reports submitted by both Entain and AUSTRAC in their upcoming trial, citing excessive reliance on a single internal corporate document.
Federal Court Justice Cameron Moore questioned the value of the evidence after reviewing how each side used Entain's risk register. Moore, who this week ordered The Star Entertainment to pay a AU$260m penalty in a separate AUSTRAC case, stated that AUSTRAC’s expert simply reviewed the document, noted missing topics, and declared Entain’s assessment unreasonable. AUSTRAC responded that Entain’s expert followed the same approach, and Moore agreed.
According to reporting by SBC News, the criticisms center on the absence of genuine expertise beyond parsing one document’s contents and omissions.
Details of the Allegations and Preparations
AUSTRAC alleges Entain allowed 17 high-risk customers to spend over $152m without proper background checks. The trial is set for next month. Entain, which operates the Ladbrokes and Neds brands in Australia, has introduced new anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures.
Moore ruled in favour of AUSTRAC against The Star Entertainment, a Bally’s-owned business. Bally’s told SBC: “We take the importance of these historical matters and the regulatory obligations of casino operators very seriously. At the same time, we are encouraged by the significant progress The Star has made under its new leadership and remediation program, supported by Bally’s operational and regulatory compliance expertise. That progress is increasingly evident.”
Outlook for the Entain Trial
A report by consumer expert Adam Glezer noted the Australian Communications and Media Authority has issued only two financial penalties despite at least a dozen wagering operators found in breach of BetStop rules since launch. This sits within broader backlash against the gambling sector that has prompted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to introduce further operator measures, though critics call them too lenient and continue to seek an advertising ban and national regulator.
The Entain case outcome next month will show whether it follows the path of the recent AU$260m penalty.
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