Cambodia plans to gradually reduce the number of casinos operating nationwide as Prime Minister Hun Manet orders a review of casino licensing and renewal standards.
Hun Manet said Cambodia’s more than 100 licensed casinos represent an excessive number, according to Cambodia-China Times. He noted that some properties operate from very small premises, including individual shophouses, while the sector makes a limited contribution to the wider economy and tourism industry.
Government Reviews Casino Licences
Hun Manet’s directive adds political weight to a casino license-renewal framework that the Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC) began developing earlier this month.
The CGMC’s General Secretariat reviewed a proposed casino integrity and quality evaluation framework at a September 4 meeting chaired by Secretary-General Yeth Vinel.
The framework aims to establish minimum suitability standards for casinos seeking license renewals. The CGMC has not yet published the detailed criteria or an implementation timetable.
However, the government’s latest position suggests that stricter licensing standards could help reduce the number of properties while strengthening regulatory oversight.
Crackdown Leads to Casino Closures
The licensing review follows Cambodia’s wider crackdown on online scams and illegal online gambling activities.
Authorities reportedly investigated 195 licensed casinos over the past year. At least 72 subsequently stopped operating after authorities revoked their licenses or the properties failed to meet renewal requirements, according to Cambodia-China Times.
Cambodia stopped issuing new online gambling licenses in 2019 and no longer permits online gambling. However, authorities have found cases in which casinos allegedly used regulatory loopholes to continue online gambling operations.
Online Gambling Rules Face Tighter Enforcement
Hun Manet has instructed relevant agencies to inspect casinos and close regulatory loopholes before October.
Casinos that operate online gambling businesses or commit other violations could fail to qualify for license renewal under the proposed framework.
The government’s approach could therefore lead to a smaller but more closely regulated casino sector, with operators facing greater scrutiny over licensing compliance and business activities.
Siem Reap Casino Ban Remains
Hun Manet also reaffirmed that Cambodia will not allow casinos in Siem Reap, despite continued investor interest in the World Heritage destination.
The latest licensing review indicates that Cambodia plans to focus on tighter oversight and higher suitability standards rather than continued expansion of its casino sector.
