Cambodia to Suspend Online Gambling in All Casinos from October 2026

The Cambodian government has decided to suspend the operation of online gambling in all casinos nationwide starting from October 2026. This measure aims to curb technology-enabled fraud and the circulation of funds with unclear sources, thereby strengthening domestic security. This decision was announced by Interior Minister Sar Sokha on September 5, 2026, during the inauguration ceremony of a 5,000-meter concrete road in Prey Mlu village, Krum Chhuk commune, Koh Andet district, Takeo province. Minister Sar Sokha explained that this suspension of online gambling is a decision made by Prime Minister Hun Manet. According to Minister Sar Sokha, some online gambling activities are live-streamed from casinos, and the flow of money related to these activities makes supervision and control difficult. The government intends to enhance the management of online gambling and prevent illegal activities associated with internet scams. During the suspension period, relevant ministries and specialized agencies have been instructed to prepare and strengthen the management system for online gambling, focusing on legal frameworks, digital infrastructure, and the development of skilled human resources. The timing for resuming operations will be reconsidered once these management systems and necessary measures are in place. The minister warned that casinos violating this policy may face license revocation and other legal actions. According to reports, from July 2025 to August 31, 2026, Cambodian authorities rescued and repatriated over 22,000 foreign nationals from 38 nationalities. During the same period, authorities built and sent 408 cases to court involving 3,477 defendants from 29 nationalities, including ringleaders and those involved in scam networks. Furthermore, authorities investigated and monitored a total of 793 suspected locations, raided 624 actual locations, and dismantled 86 scam centers. These operations led to the detention of nearly 30,000 suspects from 39 nationalities. As part of the crackdown, authorities took legal action against 27 casino locations, of which 18 had their licenses revoked and 9 had their licenses suspended. Legal measures were also applied to some officials found to be involved in four cases involving a total of 15 suspects, including a deputy prosecutor, a deputy director-general of immigration, a deputy police commissioner of Phnom Penh, a former director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and several police and military officers. The Cambodian government also announced that large-scale scam centers have been cleared, but authorities acknowledge that some small-scale scam activities persist, with perpetrators attempting to hide and commit offenses in rented houses, vehicles, or other locations, which are currently under continued investigation and crackdown by the authorities. Minister Sar Sokha also stated that cooperation with countries and international organizations continues to be strengthened to combat transnational crime and ensure that criminal networks cannot return to establish bases for committing offenses again. Source: CEN Cambodia