Cambodia Plans Gradual Casino Reduction and Stricter Licensing as Prime Minister Deems Current Numbers Excessive
Prime Minister Hun Manet announced gradual cuts to Cambodia’s over 100 casinos, called excessive, plus tighter licensing after a crackdown closed 72 of 195 reviewed venues. Online gambling suspends from early October. The sector is a minor economic contributor.
SCCG Take — The moves consolidate Cambodia’s casino market around higher-integrity operators and limit expansion, with enforcement focused on fraud prevention over revenue growth.
Cambodia will gradually reduce its casino numbers and tighten licensing requirements. Prime Minister Hun Manet described the existing more than 100 legally licensed venues as “excessive.”
Hun Manet directed authorities to review licence conditions, strengthen regulation, and progressively lower the count of gaming sites. Inspections revealed some licensed casinos operate from single row houses, underscoring the case for revised approval and renewal standards.
Authorities reviewed 195 licensed casinos in a year-long crackdown on telecommunications fraud. At least 72 ceased operations through revocation or renewal failure. Hun Manet added that casinos form only a small part of the national economy and a minor element of tourism and services sectors, as reported by GGRAsia.
Online Gambling Suspension and Enforcement Steps
Hun Manet confirmed online gambling linked to land-based casinos faces suspension from early October to combat scams and illicit finance. “All online gambling operations will be suspended starting early October, as we continue our strict crackdown on online scams to ensure they do not return,” he said.
Interior Minister Sar Sokha stated authorities will establish a “clear and effective management system” before online operations resume. Noncompliance risks licence loss. The Commercial Gambling Management Commission is preparing an integrity assessment framework for applications and renewals. Licences of 18 casinos were revoked and operations at nine more suspended.
Hun Manet separately ruled out casino investment in Siem Reap despite repeated investor approaches.
Direction for Regulated Gaming
The steps reflect a deliberate policy to shrink and professionalize the sector while severing scam connections. Operators face higher suitability thresholds and a contracting market. Regulators are setting conditions that favor scale and compliance over proliferation, with outcomes likely to concentrate activity among fewer qualified participants.
Reporting: GGRAsia
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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