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Cambodia is preparing tougher casino licence renewal checks as the government links gambling regulation more closely with its nationwide campaign against online scam networks.
The Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia plans an integrity and quality assessment for casinos seeking licences or renewals. At the same time, Cambodia will suspend casino based online gambling from October 2026.
Good to know
- CGMC wants minimum suitability standards for casino licence applicants and renewals.
- Cambodia inspected 195 licensed casinos during its anti scam campaign, revoking 20 licences and suspending 29.
- Casino based online gambling will be suspended nationwide from October 2026.
Cambodia Adds New Casino Licence Standards
CGMC Secretary General Yeth Vinel chaired a September 4 meeting to review the proposed casino integrity and quality framework.
The regulator wants the assessment to set minimum conditions based on Cambodian gambling law and existing regulatory requirements. CGMC has not published the scoring system or a launch date, leaving operators without details on how future casino licence renewals will be judged.
The planned checks arrive after enforcement actions removed a large number of casinos from the active market. Cambodian authorities examined all 195 licensed casino locations during a 12 month campaign through July 31. They revoked 20 casino licences, suspended 29 and recorded another 23 licences that expired or ceased operating.
Authorities also investigated 751 locations linked to online scams and closed 605. Courts received 388 cases involving 4,147 suspects, while officials processed the repatriation of 21,666 foreign nationals.
Online Casino Gambling Faces October Suspension
Cambodia will add another restriction in October by temporarily suspending online gambling operations run from casinos.
Interior Minister Sar Sokha said live online betting from casino properties had made monitoring unclear money flows difficult. During the suspension, ministries will work on legal rules, digital infrastructure and staff requirements before the government considers whether such gambling can return. Casinos that ignore the order could lose their licences and face further legal action.
The regulatory changes also carry an economic cost. Cambodia cut its 2026 GDP growth forecast from 5% to 4.2% in May amid energy prices, regional tensions and weaker conditions. The IMF later projected growth of 3% and said reputational damage linked to scam activity was hurting tourism and creating wider financial risks.
Prime Minister Hun Manet has described the campaign as “cleaning our own house,” linking scam enforcement with efforts to improve the international reputation of Cambodia.
Phnom Penh will also host the International Conference on Combating Online Scams on September 23 and 24. Governments, law enforcement agencies, banks, technology companies and international organisations are due to attend under the theme “Acting Together towards Breaking the Chain and Eradication of Online Scams.”
FAQ
What is the new Cambodia casino licence framework?
CGMC is developing an integrity and quality assessment that will set minimum suitability conditions for casino licences and renewals. Detailed criteria have not yet been released.
How many Cambodian casino licences have been revoked?
Authorities revoked 20 casino licences and suspended 29 during inspections of 195 licensed casinos through July 31, 2026. Another 23 licences expired or operators ceased business.
Is Cambodia banning online gambling?
Cambodia will temporarily suspend casino based online gambling nationwide from October 2026 while authorities develop stronger controls.
When will the new casino licence requirements start?
CGMC has not announced an implementation date or published the final assessment criteria.
The post Cambodia Plans Tougher Casino Licence Renewal Tests appeared first on iGaming.org.