Cambodia Tightens Casino Licence Renewals

Key Takeaways:

Cambodia's CGMC drafts new casino licence renewal framework.
Framework aims for minimum integrity and quality conditions for operators.
Government campaign targets scams and illicit financial activities.
Online gambling at casinos to be suspended from October 2026.
Authorities inspected 195 casinos, revoking 20 licences.
Crackdown led to 29 licence suspensions and 23 lapsing.
Government lowered 2026 GDP growth forecast due to crackdown.

Cambodia's Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC) is advancing plans to introduce a formal suitability screening process for casino licence renewals. This regulatory development is occurring amidst an intensified government campaign against scams and illicit financial activities linked to casinos. The CGMC reviewed a draft of this new evaluation framework during a meeting chaired by Secretary General Yeth Vinel on 4 September.

New Framework and Enforcement Actions

The proposed "integrity and quality" framework aims to establish minimum conditions that operators must meet to maintain or obtain a licence, working within the broader iGaming licensing framework. This initiative signals a strengthening of oversight in the sector, although the specific scoring criteria and an official implementation date remain unpublished. The timing of this regulatory tightening directly coincides with a vigorous government campaign targeting scams and illicit financial activities.

As part of this broader effort, the Cambodian government has announced a landmark decision to suspend all online gambling in Cambodia activities at its casinos, effective from October 2026. This significant move is intended to clean up the gaming sector by cutting ties between casinos, cyber-fraud operations, and untraceable money flows. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha issued a warning that any casino found breaching this suspension after it takes effect risks licence revocation and further legal consequences.

Crackdown Results and Economic Impact

In August, authorities conducted inspections of 195 licensed real money online casinos nationwide as part of the extensive anti-scam crackdown. These inspections led to the revocation of 20 licences and the suspension of 29 others, with an additional 23 licences lapsing naturally. Touch Sokhak, deputy spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior, stated that the operation seeks to prevent Cambodia from becoming "a safe haven or money-laundering base for technology-related criminals."

The sustained enforcement drive has already begun to affect the wider Cambodian economy, a trend seen across regulated online casino markets. In May, the government lowered its 2026 GDP growth forecast, as sectors such as construction, real estate, and consumer spending absorb the short-term impact of the crackdown. Meanwhile, the CGMC has not yet disclosed when the integrity and quality framework will be finalised, leaving casino operators without concrete guidance on the new requirements.

International Reputation and Future Outlook

Phnom Penh is preparing to host a major anti-scam conference on 23-24 September, which forms a key part of the wider government campaign against online scam networks. Initially framed as "Together Towards Disrupting the Chain and Ending Online Scams," the conference now carries the theme "Acting Together towards Breaking the Chain and Eradication of Online Scams." Prime Minister Hun Manet has publicly characterised the crackdown as an effort to "clean our house" and restore Cambodia’s reputation internationally. The lack of a clear timeline for the framework's finalisation means operators are awaiting further details on compliance.