Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has decided to suspend online betting operations broadcast live from all casinos nationwide starting in October, as authorities step up measures against online scams and cash flows with unclear origins.
Interior Minister Sar Sokha disclosed the decision during a public event on September 5th, according to Khmer Times.
Sar Sokha said authorities had found that online betting broadcast live from casinos created significant enforcement challenges, particularly in monitoring cash flows with unclear sources.
During the suspension, relevant government ministries and institutions have been instructed to establish and strengthen measures governing such operations, including the legal and regulatory framework, digital infrastructure and appropriately qualified personnel.
Any resumption will only be considered after those systems and measures have been put in place, according to the report.
Sar Sokha warned that casinos found violating the measure from October could face license revocation and other legal action.
A government summary covering the crackdown on technology-related fraud from July 2025 through August 31st, 2026 said authorities had conducted operations at 663 suspected scam locations, some of which were inside casinos.
Authorities also cracked down on and took control of 86 major scam compounds. Legal procedures aimed at confiscating the properties under applicable laws are underway.
Nearly 30,000 suspects from 39 nationalities were detained during the period, while more than 22,000 foreign nationals from 38 countries were rescued and repatriated.
Legal action was also taken against 27 casinos, with 18 licenses revoked and nine suspended. Authorities said inspections would continue at casinos suspected of conducting illegal online gambling or online sports betting.
Cambodia stopped issuing new online gambling licenses in August 2019 and did not renew existing licenses after their expiration. Nationwide inspections began in January 2020 to ensure casinos had closed their online operations.
The latest decision therefore concerns online betting activity still being conducted or broadcast from casino premises, rather than introducing Cambodia’s first online gambling prohibition.
