UAE, Gibraltar Delisted from EU AML Risk Lists: Major Boost for Gaming Sector

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has received a significant boost with its recent removal from the European Union’s list of high-risk third countries with strategic deficiencies in anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) regimes. This pivotal development, which coincides with similar positive news for Gibraltar, is expected to accelerate the growth and enhance regulatory clarity for the global gaming sector in these key jurisdictions.

UAE’s AML Progress and Gaming Implications

The delisting of the UAE from the European Union’s AML risk list is generating significant positive implications across various industries, particularly for gaming. Legal expert Luís Portela de Carvalho, a Partner at Lektou specializing in gaming, media, and entertainment law, has provided insights into what this means for the sector. Portela de Carvalho stated, as reported by iGaming Times, that the most significant implication of the UAE’s removal is the “marked reduction in compliance and regulatory obstacles” for operators and investors. He conveyed, as reported by iGaming Times, that this “burdensome layer of scrutiny has now been largely eliminated, rendering the UAE market more accessible and appealing to gaming operators wishing to expand or enter new partnerships.” He also noted that this decision was “largely anticipated” and no surprise, following the UAE’s earlier removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list in early 2024. He explained, as reported by iGaming Times, that the UAE’s progress in overhauling its regulatory regimes and strengthening enforcement mechanisms was widely publicised, leading many industry stakeholders to foresee the EU’s delisting as a natural follow-up to the FATF’s ruling.

The UAE’s delisting follows several years of aggressive regulatory reform. These initiatives included steep fines against financial institutions, the introduction of new AML legislation, and the launch of a national strategy for 2024-2027. Portela de Carvalho explained, as reported by iGaming Times, that the UAE’s “sweeping reforms were pivotal,” citing publicly disclosed fines on banks and exchange houses in 2023 and 2024 that totalled millions of dirhams, demonstrating the seriousness of these measures. He added, as reported by iGaming Times, that the UAE’s regulatory overhaul showed “a commitment to transparency, security, and international standards”-a vital message for stakeholders evaluating long-term investment risk. While cautioning that operators should “continually remain vigilant, as they would in any market,” Portela de Carvalho was unequivocal, as reported by iGaming Times, that “It does not appear premature to view the UAE as a low-risk jurisdiction,” as the FATF’s comprehensive review, followed by the European Commission’s subsequent confirmation, relied upon demonstrated compliance with international AML/CFT standards.

For the gaming sector, the timing is particularly favourable. The UAE has taken cautious but notable steps toward liberalising gambling, including establishing the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in 2023 and issuing several B2B licenses in recent months, ahead of the anticipated opening of the Wynn Resorts venue in 2027. Portela de Carvalho stated, as reported by iGaming Times, that “The UAE was already an appealing jurisdiction for online gambling operators,” and that “The recent delisting only amplifies the country’s credibility by mitigating concerns over heightened scrutiny.” He suggested, as reported by iGaming Times, that the combination of regulatory maturity and EU approval sends “a global endorsement of its regulatory strength,” positioning the UAE as a “preeminent regional hub for gaming operators.”

Future Potential: UAE License Passporting to GCC

The significant future potential of UAE licences was a key topic of discussion during a panel at the recent SBC Digital - Middle East and Africa 2025 event. Joseph Borg, Partner at WH Partners, stated, as reported by iGaming Times, that the establishment of a gambling framework and regulator in the UAE represents a “momentous shift in the gaming industry” in the region. He added, as reported by iGaming Times, that current legislation in the country could also allow for a UAE licence to be “passported” to other neighbouring countries within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Borg reportedly highlighted, as reported by iGaming Times, that the law already caters for the passporting of the license across GCC countries, explicitly naming Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman. He reportedly expressed that while this may mean nothing “today,” it “already sheds some light on what the plans are for the future,” suggesting that a license from the UAE could technically be passported to other GCC countries, finding this extremely interesting.

Gibraltar Also Removed from AML Risk Lists

In further positive news for the gambling sector, Gibraltar has also recently satisfied both the EU and the FATF risk assessments and has been delisted from their respective AML high-risk categories. As a direct result of gaining a reduced risk profile, Gibraltar will no longer be required to apply enhanced due diligence measures within international business relations. This significantly lessens administrative red tape for companies, including those from the gambling sector, wanting to do business there, further enhancing the jurisdiction’s attractiveness for international investment and operations.

The dual delisting of the UAE and Gibraltar from the EU’s AML risk lists marks a pivotal moment for the global gaming sector. These developments, driven by years of aggressive regulatory reform and a demonstrated commitment to meeting international financial integrity standards, are expected to significantly reduce compliance burdens for operators and amplify the credibility of these jurisdictions as attractive hubs for international investment and accelerated growth in the gaming industry.