AML in Gaming: Inside Casino Compliance, Cash Risk, and the Human Factor

Casinos operate at the intersection of entertainment, cash, and compliance—making AML in gaming fundamentally different from banking. In this episode, John Byrne sits down with Paul Camacho, Vice President of Compliance at Yamava’ Resort & Casino and former IRS‑CI Special Agent in Charge, to unpack what AML professionals outside the gaming industry often misunderstand. Paul shares insights from both the law‑enforcement and casino sides, including why most illicit funds enter casinos through spending, not laundering; how gambling addiction creates unique fraud and AML risks; and why observation and human intelligence matter as much as analytics. The conversation also explores public‑- private partnerships, casino typologies such as illegal sports betting and cash-intensive fraud, emerging risks highlighted in the National Money Laundering Risk Assessment, and how to move beyond “check‑the‑box” AML training. This episode offers a rare, practical look at how effective casino AML programs balance regulation, culture, and real‑world risk.