Cambodia Suspends Online Gambling: New Regulations Coming in October

Cambodia to suspend online casinos to combat fraud

Cambodia will suspend online gambling operations at all casinos across the country from October as part of measures to strengthen efforts to prevent and combat online scams and the circulation of funds from unclear sources, Sar Sokha, the Interior Minister said.

The announcement was made by Sokha during the inauguration of a 5,000-metre concrete road in Koh Andet district, Takeo province, on Saturday.

Sokha said the suspension was based on the decision of Prime Minister Hun Manet to strengthen the management of online gambling regulations and prevent illegal activities that could be linked to online scam networks.

He said investigations had found that some online gambling activities were being livestreamed from casinos, while financial flows associated with such activities could create challenges for effective monitoring and oversight.

During the suspension period, Mr Hun Manet has instructed relevant ministries and specialised institutions to begin developing and strengthening a clear management system for such operations, with a focus on the legal framework, regulations, digital infrastructure and qualified human resources.

Online gambling operations will only be considered for resumption once the necessary management systems and measures have been put in place.

October violators risk losing their licenses

Sokha warned that casinos violating the policy from October could face licence revocation and other legal measures.

According to figures presented during the announcement, from July last year to August 31, this year, authorities rescued and facilitated the repatriation of more than 22,000 foreign nationals from 38 nationalities.

During the same period, authorities prepared and sent 408 cases involving 3,477 suspects from 29 nationalities to the courts. The cases involved alleged ringleaders and other individuals linked to scam networks.

Sweeping anti-scam raids result in 30,000 arrests

Authorities also investigated and inspected 793 suspected locations, conducted raids on 624 sites and dismantled 86 scam centres. The operations resulted in the detention of nearly 30,000 suspects from 39 nationalities.

As part of the crackdown, legal action was taken against 27 casinos. Of these, 18 had their licences revoked, while nine had their licenses suspended.

Legal measures were also taken against several officials found to be involved in four cases concerning 15 suspects.

Those implicated included deputy prosecutors, a deputy director-general of immigration, a deputy Phnom Penh municipal police commissioner, a former director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as several other police and military officials.

The government has said large-scale scam centres have been cleared, while acknowledging that some smaller-scale scam operations remain. Authorities said criminals have attempted to conceal their activities by operating from rented houses, vehicles and other locations, and that investigations and crackdowns are continuing.