Cambodia to suspend online gambling at all land-based casinos from October

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet declared that, beginning in early October, every land-based casino in the country must cease online gambling operations as part of a crackdown on technology-based scams and illegal financial transfers. He made the announcement at the inauguration of the Luang Me (Queen Mother) Hospital in Phnom Penh, noting that the growth of online betting has become too difficult to regulate. Manet also highlighted that Cambodia currently holds over 100 casino licences, which he described as excessive, and instructed authorities to reassess licensing requirements to shrink the sector.

While domestic gambling is prohibited for Cambodian citizens, licences are granted to attract foreign tourists, with most venues situated along international borders or in the coastal province of Preah Sihanouk, and only NagaWorld operating in Phnom Penh. The policy aims to curb fraud and tighten control over the gambling industry.