The General Secretariat of the Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC) is running a public awareness campaign on various social media platforms to caution against the risks of falling prey to online advertising promoting illegal gambling and lotteries.
According to a report by the Phnom Penh Post, the CGMC, which operates under the Cambodian Ministry of Economy and Finance, has issued warnings regarding ongoing investigations into multiple cases, signaling imminent legal actions.
Highlighted by the CGMC is the proliferation of online casino-style games advertised on platforms like Facebook, Telegram, and YouTube, which contravene both the Law on the Management of Commercial Gambling and the Law on the Suppression of Gambling, rendering them illegal.
Attributing negative consequences to online gambling advertising, the CGMC emphasizes its detrimental effects on public order, social morals, and the livelihoods of many individuals. It pledges thorough investigations and legal proceedings against advertisers, operators, players, and any other parties involved in unlawful gambling activities.
The public was urged to steer clear of illegal gambling participation and venues hosting such activities, and the CGMC calls upon authorities at all levels to closely monitor gambling advertisers, operators, and players, urging swift action against any instances of illegal gambling.
Sam Ath, the operations director at the rights group LICADHO, views this message as an effective warning to the public and urges authorities to promptly shut down online gambling sites to prevent these issues from persisting.
