Cambodia Develops Casino Integrity Framework Amid Scam Crackdown

Cambodia’s gaming regulator is developing a new integrity and quality framework to establish minimum suitability standards for casino operators. The Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC) reviewed a draft of the evaluation system during a meeting on 4 September. The regulator stated the framework intends to determine the minimum conditions an operator must meet to obtain or maintain a casino licence, based on existing laws and the need to strengthen the sector.

This initiative follows an extensive government crackdown on illegal online operations linked to the country’s casino industry. According to official figures released in August, authorities inspected 195 licensed casinos nationwide. The inspections resulted in the revocation of 20 licences and the suspension of a further 29. An additional 23 casino licences expired and were not renewed during this period of scrutiny.

The CGMC has taken direct action against specific venues in recent months. The licence for Shang Hai Resort in Svay Rieng province was revoked after an inspection uncovered scam-related activity. In May, the regulator also revoked the licence of Casino Ying Huang in Sihanoukville over alleged links to online scams and the discovery of illegal weapons and narcotics on the premises.

Government aims to 'clean our house'

The government has framed the crackdown as a necessary measure to repair the country's international standing. Prime Minister Hun Manet characterised the effort as an attempt to 'clean our house'.

The operation seeks to prevent Cambodia from becoming 'a safe haven or money-laundering base for technology-related criminals'.

In a related move, the Cambodian government has announced that all online gambling activities at its casinos will be suspended from October 2026. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha warned that any casino found to be in breach of the suspension after it comes into effect will face licence revocation and further legal consequences.

While the CGMC has confirmed the development of the new integrity framework, specific details regarding its scoring criteria and an official implementation date have not been made public. The 4 September meeting was chaired by CGMC Secretary-General Yeth Vinel and included senior officials and technical advisors.

The regulatory tightening is occurring alongside other government initiatives. Phnom Penh is set to host an anti-scam conference on 23-24 September with the theme 'Acting Together towards Breaking the Chain and Eradication of Online Scams'. The crackdown has had wider economic implications, with the government lowering its 2026 GDP growth forecast in May, citing the short-term impact on the construction, real estate, and consumer spending sectors.