Cambodia has announced that it will suspend online gambling operations at casinos from October 2026 as authorities step up efforts to fight against scams and illegal financial activity.
The decision was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha, following a directive from Prime Minister Hun Manet. The suspension is intended to give authorities more control over online gambling activity and the movement of funds linked to these operations.
Sokha said the government will use the suspension period to strengthen gambling regulations, digital monitoring systems, and the expertise needed to supervise online operations; however, no end date for the suspension has been announced.
Casino operators that continue offering online gambling after the measure takes effect could face legal action, including the cancellation of their licenses.
The move comes alongside tighter checks on casino license renewals as the Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC) is working on a new integrity and quality framework that would set minimum requirements for operators seeking to obtain or renew a license.
Cambodia has already inspected 195 licensed casinos as part of its anti-scam campaign, and authorities revoked 20 licenses and suspended another 29, while 23 licenses expired during the period. The government has also introduced legislation targeting technology-enabled scams and related money laundering.
Touch Sokhak, deputy spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, said the crackdown aims to prevent Cambodia from becoming a hub or money-laundering base for criminals.
