Cambodia will suspend all online gambling operations linked to land-based casinos from October 2026. The government says the measure is intended to strengthen efforts against technology-related scams and illicit financial flows.
Interior Minister Sar Sokha said the decision was ordered by Prime Minister Hun Manet following a review of the sector. According to the minister, livestreamed online gambling makes it harder to monitor financial flows and creates additional risks in tackling technology-enabled crime.
Casinos could lose their licences
Following the suspension, the government plans to introduce a separate management system for online gambling. Operations would only resume after the required safeguards and controls are established.
Casinos that continue offering livestreamed gambling after the restrictions take effect could face licence revocation and further legal action.
The measure is part of Cambodia's broader push to tighten control over the gambling industry. In 2019, the government had already stopped issuing new licences to businesses operating exclusively in online gambling.
Cambodia tightens casino licensing standards
At the same time, the Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC) is developing a new framework for assessing casinos when licences are issued or renewed.
The regulator has prepared an “integrity and quality” framework intended to establish minimum requirements for operators. The draft was reviewed on September 4 at a meeting chaired by CGMC Secretary General Yeth Vinel.
The specific assessment criteria, methodology and implementation timeline have not yet been disclosed.
The framework is expected to provide an additional mechanism for assessing casino operators during licensing and renewal procedures.
Crackdown targets scams and illicit money flows
The suspension is part of Cambodia's wider campaign against online scams, money laundering and other illegal activity associated with casinos.
Authorities want to reduce potential links between gambling operations, scam networks and financial flows that are more difficult to monitor through livestreamed platforms.
For casino operators, October 2026 will be the key deadline. Until a new regulated framework is established, operators will have to stop online activities covered by the suspension.
Source: GGR Asia
