Cambodia to Suspend Online Gambling in October

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has announced that online gambling conducted through physical casinos in the country will be suspended from October.

The measure is intended to address technology-related fraud, money laundering and online scam activity. Hun Manet said online gambling had become increasingly difficult for authorities to control, prompting the government to halt these operations as part of its response to technology-based scams.

The announcement was made during the opening of the Luang Me or Queen Mother Hospital in Phnom Penh.

According to the prime minister, online casino operations will be suspended from early October. The government intends to maintain strict measures against online scams and prevent such activities from re-emerging.

The suspension will cover online gambling operations linked to land-based casinos throughout Cambodia. However, the government has not specified the exact date in October when the suspension will take effect.

Action Against Technology-Related Fraud

The government has linked the suspension to concerns surrounding technology-related fraud and illegal financial transactions.

Hun Manet said online gambling activities had become difficult to monitor and regulate. By suspending these operations, authorities aim to address financial and technological channels associated with online scam activity.

The decision forms part of Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to tackle technology-based fraud. The government is seeking to prevent scam operations from returning by taking action against online gambling activities conducted through casino properties.

Hun Manet indicated that the government would continue its strict approach. Online gambling operated by land-based casinos will remain suspended while authorities work to address scams and illegal money transactions.

The announcement did not explain how the suspension would be implemented or specify how long it would remain in place. It also did not establish conditions that would determine when online gambling operations could resume.

Cambodia to Review Casino Licensing

Hun Manet also raised concerns about the number of casinos operating in Cambodia, saying the country currently has more than 100 and that this figure is excessive.

He directed authorities to examine casino licensing requirements as part of efforts to reduce the number of gaming establishments across the country.

The licensing review is separate from the planned October suspension of online gambling operations, although both measures form part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen oversight of Cambodia’s casino sector.

The prime minister did not disclose the number of casinos Cambodia intends to retain following the planned reduction. No deadline was given for completing the review of the licensing requirements.

For the time being, the government has confirmed that it will reassess the conditions governing casino licences. The review is expected to inform efforts to reduce the overall number of licensed casino establishments.

Casino Sector Remains Linked to Tourism

Cambodia has traditionally issued casino licences as part of its approach to supporting foreign tourism.

Under Cambodian law, citizens are prohibited from gambling. As a result, casinos are structured around foreign visitors and operate under the country’s licensing framework.

With the exception of NagaWorld in Phnom Penh, casinos in Cambodia are situated along international borders or in the coastal province of Preah Sihanouk.

The distribution of casino properties reflects the country’s tourism-focused approach to gaming, with border regions and coastal areas serving as the primary locations for casino operations. NagaWorld remains the exception as a casino resort located in the capital.