What penalties can be imposed on UAE gaming operators for AML breaches?
A commercial gaming operator that breaches its AML obligations can face administrative penalties imposed by its supervisory authority. These start with a warning and extend to fines of not less than AED 10,000 and up to AED 5,000,000 per violation, alongside restricting the powers of managers, suspending responsible individuals, suspending or restricting the activity, and ultimately revoking the licence.
Fines can be increased where the same violation recurs within a year, and the supervisor may publish the penalties imposed. More serious conduct attracts criminal liability under the law, including imprisonment and heavy fines for the money laundering offence itself. Because the regulator can inspect from the day a licence is granted, an operator that opens without an operational programme is exposed from the outset.
Legal Reference (UAE):
· Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, Article 17 - administrative penalties from AED 10,000 to AED 5,000,000 per violation.
· Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025, Article 26 - criminal penalties for the money laundering offence.
For more details, consult the full text of Federal Decree-Law No. 10 of 2025 or seek guidance from your AML compliance officer.