Cambodia will suspend online betting operations broadcast live from casinos nationwide from October. Authorities intensify efforts to combat online scams and monitor financial flows with unclear origins.
Prime Minister Hun Manet approved the measure. Interior Minister Sar Sokha announced the decision at a public event on September 5.
Casino-Based Online Betting to Face Suspension
According to Sar Sokha, authorities identified significant enforcement challenges linked to online betting conducted or broadcast from casino premises. Particularly, this relates to monitoring financial transactions and identifying unclear sources of funds.
During the suspension, relevant ministries and government institutions will be required to strengthen the framework governing these activities.
Measures will cover areas including legal and regulatory requirements, digital infrastructure and qualified personnel. Any decision to resume casino-based online betting will only be considered after the necessary systems and safeguards are established.
Casinos that violate the suspension from October could face licence revocation and other legal action.
Cambodia Intensifies Crackdown on Online Scams
The decision comes amid a broader government campaign against technology-related fraud.
Between July 2025 and August 31, 2026, Cambodian authorities conducted operations at 663 suspected scam locations. Some of these facilities operated inside casinos. In addition, authorities took control of 86 major scam compounds. Legal proceedings are underway to confiscate properties where applicable.
During the same period, nearly 30,000 suspects from 39 nationalities were detained. Meanwhile, more than 22,000 foreign nationals from 38 countries were rescued and repatriated.
Authorities also took action against 27 casinos, with 18 licences revoked and nine suspended. Inspections are continuing at casinos suspected of facilitating illegal online gambling or sports betting.
Measure Builds on Existing Online Gambling Restrictions
Cambodia has already maintained restrictions on online gambling. The country stopped issuing new online gambling licences in August 2019 and did not renew existing licences after they expired.
Nationwide inspections began in January 2020 to ensure casinos had ended their online gambling operations.
The latest measure therefore does not introduce Cambodia’s first nationwide online gambling prohibition. Instead, it specifically targets online betting activities that continue to be conducted or broadcast from casino premises.
For casino operators, the suspension signals further regulatory pressure around online betting, financial transparency and compliance. Cambodia is strengthening oversight of its gambling sector.
