What happens when a win is transferred abroad

What happens when a win is transferred abroad

Current on: 11 August 2025

Short conclusion

Transferring winnings overseas in Australia falls under the control of banks, AUSTRAC and, if necessary, the ATO. Such transactions are checked for money laundering, compliance with currency and tax laws, and the player must be ready to confirm the origin of the funds.

1. Main regulatory authorities

Sending bank - checks the legality of funds and can request documents.
AUSTRAC - records international transfers, especially from AUD 10,000 and above.
ATO - analyzes transactions for tax liabilities and compliance with player status (amateur or professional).

2. Threshold amounts and mandatory reporting

10,000 AUD or more is a mandatory report to AUSTRAC.
Any amount can be verified if the transaction looks suspicious.
Transfers to high-risk countries can trigger automatic screening.

3. Procedure when transferring winnings abroad

1. The player initiates a transfer through a bank or payment system.
2. The bank checks the source of funds:
  • Casino or bookmaker statements.
  • Payment contracts or checks.
  • 3. For large amounts, the bank sends a report to AUSTRAC.
  • 4. If the data matches a professional player's profile, the ATO can request an income statement.

4. Risks in the absence of supporting documents

Blocking or freezing the transfer.
Delay of the operation until the circumstances are clarified.
Possible classification as suspicious transaction.
Additional tax charges if the ATO determines income as taxable.

5. Features for different sources of winnings

Australian licensed casinos - the process is easier as payouts are easily tracked.
Offshore casinos - may cause additional checks, especially when transferring from countries with soft regulation.
Cryptocurrency winnings - when converting to fiat through an exchange with an Australian license, the transfer is also recorded and controlled.

6. Recommendations for safe translation

Always keep proof of winnings and payouts.
Use official banking channels.
Avoiding splitting a transfer to bypass limits is a sign of suspicious transactions.
When transferring significant amounts abroad, consult a tax specialist.

Conclusion

Transferring winnings overseas in Australia is a transparent but tightly controlled operation. To successfully and quickly complete the transaction, it is important to prepare documents in advance confirming the origin of the funds, and take into account the requirements of AUSTRAC and ATO.