Cambodia to Suspend Online Gambling in Casinos Nationwide; Public Support Voiced

The Cambodian government has decided to temporarily suspend all online gambling activities within casinos nationwide, effective from October 2026. This decision is part of the government's efforts to strengthen measures against cybercrimes such as online scams, and has garnered support from the public. Citizens have pointed out that online gambling offers no benefits to society or the people, and instead leads to financial losses and opaque cash flows. The government intends to use this suspension period to strengthen relevant laws, digital infrastructure, and train skilled personnel before considering any future resumption. According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha, this decision was made under the directive of Prime Minister Hun Manet. The Prime Minister highlighted that the cash flows from online gambling are highly likely to be involved in illicit funds or money laundering, citing the difficulty in managing these operations. The government plans to take legal action, including license revocation, against any casino violating this policy after October 2026. This measure signifies Cambodia's commitment to enhancing its cybercrime prevention efforts and striving for a safer society. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local