Cambodia’s Commercial Gambling Management Commission (CGMC) has revoked the operating licenses of five casinos and suspended the license of one additional casino, citing violations of the country’s Commercial Gambling Management Law and related regulations.
The decision, announced on February 19th, forms part of a broader government crackdown on cyber fraud, illegal gambling, and cross-border criminal activities linked to networks associated with Chen Zhi.
According to reports, an official release by the CGMC indicated the licenses of Golden Fortune Resorts World, Jinbei Group, Cambodian Heng Xin Real Estate, GC Casino, and Jinbei 4 Casino were permanently revoked. These properties are located mainly in Sihanoukville’s Zone 4 and in Saang City, Kandal Province. Meanwhile, Wo Casino, located in Kampot Province’s Phnom Chhnork District, had its license temporarily suspended.
Several of the affected casinos are reported to be affiliated with business entities linked to Chen Zhi, whose network has been associated with cyber fraud, online scams, and related criminal activities in the region. Authorities said the enforcement action reflects heightened scrutiny of casinos suspected of facilitating illegal operations, including online money laundering, human trafficking, and unlawful detention.
According to the CGMC, the measures were taken in accordance with the Commercial Gambling Management Law and its implementing regulations. The commission said the penalties were imposed following regulatory reviews and operational compliance investigations.
“The administrative measures aim to strengthen regulation of the commercial gaming sector, maintain industry order, and ensure that gambling operations are conducted lawfully and in an orderly manner,” the CGMC said in its statement. The regulator added that it will continue to monitor licensed operators nationwide and take action against violations.
The CGMC secretariat noted that operators found in breach of Articles 89 and 90 of the gambling law may face penalties ranging from warnings and fines to license revocation, depending on the severity of the offense.
The latest enforcement action is part of a wider campaign by the Cambodian government to combat cybercrime and illegal gambling. Officials have intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating from casino properties, particularly in coastal and border areas that have previously been linked to scam operations targeting overseas victims.
Data from the CGMC’s official website show that since January 2025, at least 13 casinos have had their licenses terminated or suspended for regulatory violations, including the six announced on February 19th.
Some casinos were permanently closed for involvement in online money laundering and illegal detention, while others were suspended for failing to submit required audit reports or for unauthorized changes in business use.
As of the first quarter of 2026, Cambodia has approximately 160 to 180 legally licensed casinos, most of them concentrated in Sihanoukville, Bavet, and Poipet. Authorities have suspended the issuance of new casino licenses, and all existing operators are subject to annual compliance audits. Regulators have indicated that more closures may follow if operators fail to meet regulatory standards.
