Gamblers say the ‘bowler accounts’ are used for legitimate bets, while concerns raised about potential money laundering
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Gambling syndicates are offering up to $400 to men who hand over their passport, drivers licence, bank and Medicare details and selfies so they can punt in other people’s names, with the government expressing alarm over identity theft risks.
Industry sources and academics have also raised concerns about alias betting accounts – sometimes referred to as “bowler accounts” – undermining anti-money laundering compliance systems.