Cambodia is preparing new requirements for casino licence renewals as the country intensifies its campaign against online scams and illicit financial activity linked to gambling venues.
The Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC) is considering an “integrity and quality” assessment framework for casino operators. The draft was reviewed on September 4 at a meeting chaired by CGMC Secretary General Yeth Vinel. The assessment criteria and implementation date have not yet been published.
20 licences already revoked
The regulatory review comes as Cambodia expands enforcement against online scams and illegal financial activity associated with casinos.
The government plans to suspend online gambling at all casinos from October 2026. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha has warned that casinos continuing to offer online gambling after the suspension takes effect could face licence revocation and further legal action.
Authorities have already intensified inspections. Cambodia’s state news agency AKP reported in August that 195 licensed casinos had been inspected nationwide. As a result, 20 licences were revoked, 29 were suspended and another 23 expired naturally.
The Interior Ministry said the campaign is intended to prevent Cambodia from becoming a safe haven or money-laundering base for technology-related criminals.
New framework details remain unclear
The proposed “integrity and quality” system is expected to establish minimum conditions for obtaining or maintaining a casino licence. However, the CGMC has not yet disclosed the scoring methodology, specific criteria or implementation timeline.
The uncertainty comes ahead of Phnom Penh’s major anti-scam conference on September 23-24.
The enforcement campaign is also having wider economic consequences. Cambodia previously lowered its 2026 GDP growth forecast as the crackdown affected construction, real estate and consumer spending.
Prime Minister Hun Manet has described the campaign as an effort to “clean our house” and restore Cambodia’s international reputation.
Source: iGaming Business
