The Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC) has confirmed that it has established 13 onsite offices within licensed casinos across the country.
This initiative aligns with the Law on the Management of Commercial Gambling, which was promulgated on November 14th, 2020, and provides a strict regulatory framework for the sector.
The Cambodian gaming regulator outlined the roles and responsibilities of these onsite offices, including:
- Managed and oversaw casino operations to ensure compliance with the law, with a focus on effectiveness and transparency.
- Strengthening administrative procedures within the commercial gambling sector.
- Providing guidance to operators and license holders to help them better understand their legal obligations.
- Establishing a Casino Management System (CMS) in the near future.
CGMC Technical Advisor Chhoeng Chantha highlighted the transformative impact of the 2020 law, stating, “Since the promulgation of the Law on the Management of Commercial Gambling on November 14, 2020, the sector has been strictly regulated under its provisions.”
He further explained, “The conditions for granting a casino license are not only focused on financial resources but are also strictly evaluated based on the qualifications and competency of investors.”
Additionally, Chantha noted that casino employees must obtain a special license from the CGMC to operate games, and all gambling equipment and software must be certified and registered with the regulator. These measures aim to enhance transparency and accountability across the industry.
As part of the Law on the Management of Commercial Gambling, the Royal Government of Cambodia directed the CGMC to establish offices within casino premises to further strengthen regulatory oversight, in alignment with international standards.
On December 17th, 2024, the CGMC issued a public notice selecting 10 casinos for a pilot program to implement these offices. As a result, 13 CGMC offices have now been established across licensed casinos.
According to another media outlet, NagaWorld, a resort complex with a monopoly license in Phnom Penh operated by Hong Kong-listed NagaCorp, and DNA Star Vegas, a casino in Poipet on Cambodia’s border with Thailand operated by Australia-listed Donaco International, were among the 10 selected sites.
In the same response to AGB, the CGMC did not provide details on the other licensed casinos.
Setting up onsite offices reflects Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the regulation and transparency of its gambling sector. By establishing regulatory offices within casino operations, the CGMC aims to improve compliance, streamline administrative procedures, and uphold both national and international standards.
It is also worth noting that the CGMC was established following the promulgation of the Law on the Management of Commercial Gambling in 2020. This law marked a significant shift in Cambodia’s approach to regulating the gambling industry, moving from a largely unregulated environment to a more structured framework.
The CGMC is responsible for overseeing licensing, regulatory enforcement, and ensuring compliance with national gambling laws. Its primary goals include suppressing illegal gambling, promoting legal gambling practices, and contributing to economic growth through effective governance.
The commission began more actively implementing its regulations in 2022, following delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on strengthening staff capacity to enforce regulations in line with international standards.
