Cambodia steps up efforts to restrict illegal gambling

• Cambodia will now start paying closer attention to regulated gambling venues - and specifically casinos
• The country is looking into potential illicit activity that could be taking place in these regulated casino locations
• Cambodia has been previously criticized over its existing gambling framework, with the IMF alleging that it easily allows criminals to own and run casinos

Cambodia is targeting licensed gaming venues on suspicion of unauthorized gambling activities, with authorities launching nationwide sweeps across gaming floors in a bid to uproot illicit activity.

Casinos targeted by Cambodia as fears of illicit activity mount

The decision follows a joint meeting between the Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia and the secretariat of th country’s Commission for Combating Technology Crimes, and is the latest in a series of moves designed to address lingering fears over illicit activity

The meeting, held earlier in the week, also reunited representatives from 16 capital and provincial administrations where licensed casinos are currently placed. The enforcement action will seek to ensure that operators are complying with the established gambling rules.

Those found in breach of the rules could face legal proceedings. Cambodia will similarly continue to target venues that are hosting and operating online scams and illegal gambling platforms on the Internet, with the government vowing to step up efforts in that direction.

Current legal safeguards insufficient to stop criminals from owning casinos

Cambodia has been paying close attention to licensed venues, fearing that legitimate venues could also be used to spearhead the interests of ilelgal gambling operations and other crime.

This comes against a backdrop of international criticism, with the International Monetary Fund warning Cambodia that its current laws did not sufficiently safeguard against potential criminals launching casino businesses in the country, which further imperiled the legitimacy of established venues.

The latest enforcement action comes at a time when the country has already announced that it is shuttering all online gambling starting from October 2026, as confirmed by Interior Minister, Sar Sokha.

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