AML Requirements for Commercial gaming operators in the UAE
Licensed operators of lotteries, gaming halls, internet gaming or sports wagering, including gaming conducted on board vessels.
Are commercial gaming operators designated in the UAE mainland?
Yes. The designation follows the business itself, so a firm carrying on this activity in the UAE mainland is within the regime without any further test.
- Designating provision
- Cabinet Resolution No. (134) of 2025, Article 3(1)
- Supervisor
- General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority
Designated at a single or linked financial transaction of AED 11,000 or more, excluding transactions solely involving gaming chips or instruments. Federal only: neither free zone designates commercial gaming.
Reports filed with no suspicion required
No threshold-based report has been established for this sector in the UAE mainland. Reporting here is suspicion-driven: suspicious transaction and activity reports are filed when the firm has grounds to suspect, whatever the amount. That is not the same as saying nothing is owed, and it is why record keeping and the ability to recognise a suspicion matter more in this sector than any threshold.
What the regime requires here
Federal Decree-Law No. (10) of 2025 and Cabinet Resolution No. (134) of 2025, Article 3 governs AML in the UAE mainland. Every designated firm owes the same spine of obligations: a documented risk assessment covering money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing; customer due diligence with enhanced measures for higher risk and for high-risk countries; policies approved by senior management; a compliance officer at management level; an independent audit of the controls; immediate implementation of targeted financial sanctions; staff training; and records available to the authorities on request.
- Federal Decree-Law No. (10) of 2025 on AML/CFT/CPF, in force 14 October 2025
- Cabinet Resolution No. (134) of 2025, Executive Regulations, in force 14 December 2025 (DNFBPs: Article 3)
What Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 changed sets out the obligations and the penalties in full, with each article cited.
See where this firm actually stands
AML Compass assesses a commercial gaming operator against the duties that apply in the UAE mainland, scores its risk and inspection readiness, and produces a report of the gaps citing the provision behind each one.
Other designated businesses in the UAE mainland
This page summarises published legislation and rulebooks for general information. It is not legal advice, and it does not replace the texts themselves or guidance from your supervisor.