Cambodia Cracks Down on Online Gambling: Pailin Casinos Ordered to Cease Operations by End of September

In Pailin province, located in western Cambodia along the border with Thailand, the provincial governor has implemented decisive measures to eradicate online gambling. On September 10, 2026, Governor Dr. Ban Sreymom convened an emergency meeting and directly instructed eight casinos situated near the international border crossing in Sala Krao district to completely cease all online gambling activities by the end of September this year. Dr. Ban emphasized that the elimination of all forms of illegal gambling, particularly online betting, is essential due to its severe negative impacts on social security, order, and the livelihoods of citizens. To ensure the effectiveness of law enforcement, the governor set September 30th as the final deadline. From October 1st onwards, authorities will conduct on-site inspections of casino premises and apply legal procedures without exception. Casinos will only be permitted to offer gambling to customers who visit the premises in person. Furthermore, the governor called upon local authorities and all levels of law enforcement to execute the government's orders with the highest efficiency. They are tasked with continuous monitoring and intelligence gathering to ensure that Pailin province becomes a model region free from online gambling activities after the end of September. Local residents have also expressed support for these measures, anticipating the prevention of problems within the province.