Cambodia Prime Minister Bars Casinos from Siem Reap and Launches Review of All Existing Licences
Prime Minister Hun Manet barred casinos from Siem Reap and ordered review of more than 100 licences with a new $100m minimum investment. This follows suspension of 72 licences after inspecting all 195 amid a scam crackdown that closed 605 of 751 suspected sites. Policy stresses heritage protection and stricter standards over expansion.
SCCG Take — The review will likely force consolidation toward larger, compliant operators while closing smaller legacy sites. Regulators gain leverage to reshape the sector; investors should track which licences survive the $100m test.
Prime Minister Hun Manet has ruled out any casino licences for Siem Reap province and ordered a full review of Cambodia’s more than 100 existing casino licences. The move follows a ban on online gaming and the suspension of 72 casino licences as part of an anti-scam drive.
Manet welcomed hotel and leisure projects in the area but drew a firm line on gambling. “Just as under former Prime Minister Hun Sen, under the new government that I lead, there will absolutely be no casino licences in Siem Reap. Let me make it clear: there will be none. Please do not request one,” he said. He added that if the tourism economy collapses without casinos, the government will accept responsibility because “this is a heritage province.”
Online gambling and betting activities have already been suspended. “From the beginning of October, there will be none,” Manet stated.
Licence Review Focuses on Scale and Standards
The government is examining whether 100 casinos are too many under current conditions. Manet explained that investment must now reach at least $100m with adequate infrastructure. “In the past, the requirements were lower, even a shophouse could become a casino, but not anymore,” he said. The original intent was never simply to accumulate casinos for their own sake.
Crackdown on Scams Prompts Broader Casino Inspections
These steps follow action against online scams. Authorities targeted 751 suspected scam locations and shut down 605 between July 2025 and July 31, 2026, according to the Secretariat of the Ad Hoc Commission for Combating Online Scams. All 195 licensed casinos were inspected. 123 showed no evidence of scam involvement while 72 had licences suspended.
As reported by G3 Newswire, the decisions signal tighter control over both new and existing gambling operations. The review will test how many current licence holders meet the raised bar.
Forward Implications for Market Participants
The policy sets a clearer threshold for viable casino projects and ties licensing directly to infrastructure and anti-scam compliance. Operators and investors face a narrower window in Siem Reap and potential consolidation elsewhere once the review concludes.
Reporting: G3 Newswire
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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