Laotian authorities carried out 153 operations against illegal gambling and cybercrime from January to September 2026. The Ministry of Public Security reported the detention of 10,651 people from 31 countries.
The raids took place in several provinces and special economic zones. The targets were illegal gambling venues and fraud centers, as well as the infrastructure that serves them.
The campaign follows a nationwide directive issued in April 2026 by Sonexay Siphandone, then prime minister and now chairman of the National Assembly of Laos. He called for tougher action against cybercrime, online fraud and illegal gambling. On July 15, the ministry issued another order warning hotels, landlords, businesses and casino operators not to provide premises or support to fraud compounds and illegal gambling outlets.
Authorities also name AI-driven schemes and fake bank accounts as a threat. Land-based casinos in the country continue to operate and pay a 30% profit tax. A law on licensing foreign operators has not yet been published.
For affiliates and operators eyeing Southeast Asia, this means one thing: there is still no legal entry for online operators with a license in Laos, while pressure on gray platforms and payment infrastructure is growing. No publication date for the licensing law has been set.
