Cambodia to Ban All Online Gambling at Casinos from October
The Cambodian government has announced a complete prohibition on online gambling operations at its land-based casinos, effective from October. Prime Minister Hun Manet also ordered a review of casino licences to reduce the total number of establishments, citing concerns over regulatory control and illicit financial activity.
- All online gambling operations at Cambodian land-based casinos will be halted from October 2024.
- The measure is intended to combat technology-related fraud and illicit financial flows.
- Authorities will also review casino licences to reduce the number of venues, which currently exceeds 100.
Cambodia is set to implement a blanket ban on all online gambling operations hosted by its land-based casinos, with the new regulation taking effect this October. The directive, announced by Prime Minister Hun Manet, forms a key part of a wider government strategy to combat technology-based fraud and curb illicit financial flows linked to the remote gaming sector.
The government’s decision stems from growing concerns about its ability to effectively oversee the industry. The Prime Minister explained that the online gambling sector had become too challenging to manage from a regulatory perspective, prompting the decisive action to suspend all such activities.
Hun Manet noted that online gambling has become too difficult to regulate.
Casino Licences Under Review
In addition to the online prohibition, the Cambodian government will also address the physical footprint of its casino industry. Prime Minister Hun Manet has instructed authorities to conduct a comprehensive review of all casino licensing requirements, with the explicit aim of reducing the total number of operational establishments in the country.
Cambodia's current tally of more than 100 casinos is excessive.
This move to scale back the industry marks a significant policy adjustment. Historically, Cambodia has granted casino licences as a primary strategy to stimulate foreign tourism and attract international investment. The sector operates under a strict legal framework in which Cambodian citizens are strictly prohibited from gambling, positioning the industry as a service catering exclusively to foreign nationals.
The geographical distribution of these venues reflects their target market. With the sole exception of the NagaWorld integrated resort in the capital, Phnom Penh, all of Cambodia's casinos are concentrated along its international borders or within the coastal province of Preah Sihanouk. This strategic placement is designed to facilitate access for tourists and gamblers from neighbouring countries. The forthcoming regulatory overhaul is expected to reshape this landscape considerably.
