Cambodia Tightens Casino Rules, Bans Proxy Betting

Key Takeaways:

Cambodia introduces new casino license renewal framework.
Commercial Gambling Management Commission developing evaluation framework.
Proxy betting from casinos will be suspended from October 2026.
Online gambling has been illegal in Cambodia since January 1, 2020.
Authorities revoked 20 casino licenses in August.
Government aims to sever links to cyber-fraud operations.
Cambodia removed from FATF grey list in 2023.

Cambodia is implementing stricter oversight of its casino industry, introducing a new license renewal framework and suspending online gambling activities, specifically live-dealer streaming from within casinos, from October 2026. These measures are part of ongoing efforts by authorities to address scam operations linked to the sector.

New Regulatory Framework and Enforcement

The Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC) is developing a “casino integrity and quality evaluation framework for license renewals.” This framework aims to establish minimum suitability conditions for obtaining a casino license, ensuring higher standards across the industry. The General Secretariat of the CGMC reviewed the framework at a September 4 meeting, noting its development is based on applicable laws, regulatory instruments, and the necessity to strengthen the commercial gambling sector in Cambodia. While the proposed “integrity and quality” framework will set minimum conditions for obtaining or retaining a casino license, the CGMC has not yet published the scoring criteria or announced an implementation date. This initiative follows comprehensive inspections of all 195 licensed casinos in Cambodia. In August, authorities revoked 20 licenses and suspended 29, while another 23 licenses lapsed naturally, demonstrating a significant enforcement drive.

Proxy Betting Ban and Anti-Fraud Measures

From October 2026, live-dealer streaming from inside casinos, commonly known as proxy betting, will be suspended. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha stated that Prime Minister Hun Manet requested this measure due to concerns over online casino games. Online gambling has been illegal in Cambodia since January 1, 2020, although licensed casinos were previously allowed under the gaming law to provide live-dealer streaming to foreign players. Sokha warned that casinos breaching the suspension could face license revocation and further legal consequences, though he also mentioned the ban could be lifted in the future without providing a timeline. The government explicitly states that this suspension is intended to sever links between casinos, cyber-fraud operations, and untraceable money flows. Touch Sokhak, deputy spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, affirmed the campaign's objective is to prevent Cambodia from becoming “a safe haven or money-laundering base for technology-related criminals,” a goal shared by safe online casinos worldwide. Authorities have also reported the elimination of all major scam compounds in the country, addressing international criticism over scam operations, some of which were found operating from licensed casino premises.

Economic Impact and International Standing

The enforcement campaign has had an economic impact on the country. In May, the government lowered its 2026 GDP growth forecast as construction, real estate, and consumer spending absorbed the short-term effects of the enforcement campaign. Despite these domestic challenges, Cambodia was removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in 2023. This removal followed the successful completion of a multi-year action plan addressing deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing systems. Cambodia's next FATF evaluation is scheduled for 2029, when it will be grouped with jurisdictions including Macau, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, and New Zealand, indicating its continued commitment to international casino markets and financial standards.