AML
Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism
Before we get into it
Being asked for ID, payslips, or bank statements can feel like an odd thing to encounter at a casino. We get that. It's not personal, and it's not about you specifically — it's part of how we look after everyone who walks through our doors, and how we help keep Dunedin's community, and New Zealand more broadly, safe from crime.
This page explains what we're required to do, why, and what it means for you.
Why we ask for your details
The Grand Casino is a reporting entity under New Zealand's Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 (AML/CFT Act). This law requires us to verify the identity of everyone who plays with us — members and non-members alike.
We ask for this information because the law requires it, not because of anything about you personally. It helps us confirm who our patrons are, protects the casino and our patrons from being used for money laundering, and keeps New Zealand's financial system safe from crime.
We call this process customer due diligence. In practice, it means we hold proof of your identity, your residential address, and an understanding of why you play with us.
We're also required to monitor accounts and transactions on an ongoing basis, not just when you first join, and to review this information regularly. In some cases, we need to go further and confirm where a patron's funds or wealth have come from. We call this enhanced due diligence.
What you might be asked to provide
If we ask you to complete enhanced due diligence, it's because the law requires it — not because we suspect wrongdoing. This can also be triggered if you're identified as a Politically Exposed Person (PEP), which the Act defines as someone who holds, or has held, a prominent public position in New Zealand or overseas, or their immediate family and close associates.
Depending on your situation, we may ask for one of the following:
- Employment payslips — to verify income
- Bank statements — to verify income and/or savings
- Investment records — such as an investment or savings certificate, a letter from your lawyer or accountant, or independently prepared IRD documents
If you're unable to provide this information, we may not be able to start or continue our business relationship with you. This is a requirement of the law, not a decision we make lightly.
Your information stays confidential
Anything you provide for enhanced due diligence is held securely and in confidence. It is not accessible to casino staff generally — only to those who need it to meet our legal obligations. Records are retained for the period required under the AML/CFT Act. For more detail on how we handle your information, see our Privacy Policy.
We value your trust, and we're here to make this process as straightforward as possible.
The Grand Casino's AML/CFT compliance is supervised by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).
Questions? Contact us at compliance@grandcasino.co.nz