Cambodia Prepares Casino License Integrity Framework Following Revocations and Proxy Betting Ban
TL;DR — Cambodia’s CGMC is developing a new casino integrity and quality evaluation framework for license renewals to set minimum suitability conditions. This follows the revocation of 20 licenses, suspension of 29 others from 195 reviewed, and an October ban on proxy betting. Steps align with post-2023 FATF grey list removal ahead of 2029 review.
SCCG Take — The framework signals elevated compliance expectations for renewal. Operators should prioritize documented integrity controls to navigate the tightened process.
Cambodia’s gaming regulator is preparing a new casino integrity and quality evaluation framework for license renewals. The framework aims to determine the minimum suitability conditions for obtaining a casino license.
The General Secretariat of the Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC) discussed the issue in a meeting on 4 September. The new framework will be based on applicable laws, regulatory instruments and the necessity to strengthen the commercial gambling sector in Cambodia.
Actions Following Scam Compound Crackdown
The meeting follows authorities’ announcement that they had eliminated all major scam compounds in the country. This came after international backlash over scam operations, some of which were found to be operating out of licensed casino premises.
In August, authorities revoked 20 casino licenses and suspended 29 more after investigating all 195 licensed casinos for possible links to scam operations. As reported by Inside Asian Gaming, these steps form part of a wider effort to address prior regulatory gaps.
Tighter Controls on Live-Dealer Operations
Live-dealer streaming from inside casinos – commonly known as proxy betting – will be shut down starting from October. Interior Minister Sar Sokha indicated that the move was at the request of Prime Minister Hun Manet due to concerns over online gambling. Online gambling has been illegal since a blanket ban starting 1 January 2020, though licensed casinos were allowed to provide live-dealer streaming to foreign players. Sokha noted that the ban could potentially be lifted in the future, with no timeline given.
Cambodia was removed from the Financial Action Task Force grey list in 2023 after addressing anti-money laundering deficiencies. It faces the next FATF evaluation round in 2029 alongside Macau, Vietnam, Japan, Korea and New Zealand.
Sector Strengthening Ahead
The combined measures indicate a regulatory shift toward measurable integrity standards for renewals. Operators holding licenses will need to align with the forthcoming suitability criteria to avoid further suspensions or revocations as Cambodia consolidates gains from its scam enforcement actions.
Reporting: Inside Asian Gaming
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
Cambodia is raising the bar for casino renewals with integrity standards—operators without documented controls will struggle to survive the cut.
We've worked in markets coming off grey lists before—the compliance window is narrow and unforgiving. Cambodia revoked 20 licenses and suspended 29 more out of 195 reviewed, then banned proxy betting outright. The new framework isn't guidance, it's gatekeeping. Operators renewing in this environment need demonstrable integrity controls, not promises.
- 20 licenses revoked, 29 suspended from 195 reviewed; proxy betting banned October
- New integrity framework sets minimum suitability conditions for renewals
- FATF review looms in 2029 following 2023 grey list removal
SCCG angle: SCCG has guided operators through high-stakes compliance transitions in emerging markets across Asia and beyond. If you're facing renewal in Cambodia or similar tightening jurisdictions, we connect you to the right regulatory advisors, compliance architects, and local intelligence to document the controls regulators now demand—before the window closes.
Gaming, betting and prediction markets — the desk’s read, every weekday.
Subscribe →