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4 clusters · 6 sources · 50 days · First seen · Last updated

Cambodia online gambling and scam crackdown

Overview

Cambodian authorities have intensified efforts to combat technology-based scam networks and online fraud through strict regulatory actions against the casino industry.

In August 2026, the Secretariat of the Commission for Combating Online Scams (CCOS) reported the revocation of 20 casino licenses and the suspension of 29 others. This enforcement campaign included inspections of all 195 licensed casinos in the country and targeted 751 suspected scam facilities, leading to the closure of 605 locations. These operations resulted in legal proceedings against 4,147 suspects and the rescue or repatriation of over 21,600 foreign nationals.

Following these crackdowns, Prime Minister Hun Manet announced a total suspension of all online gambling activities at casinos nationwide, effective early October 2026. Describing online fraud as a ‘red line,’ the Prime Minister emphasized that such activities damage the nation’s reputation, tourism, and economy, stating the government will not tolerate ‘factories’ dedicated to fraudulent activities. He further warned law enforcement officials to prioritize national interests over personal concerns.

In addition to the gambling ban, Hun Manet directed authorities to review licensing requirements to reduce the total number of casinos, noting that the current count of over 100 establishments is excessive. To enforce the prohibition, the Cambodian Gambling Management Commission (CGMC) and the CCOS have launched joint nationwide inspections. These teams, comprising representatives from 16 regional jurisdictions, labor departments, national police, and prosecutors, are inspecting properties to identify illegal online hosting. Casinos found providing illegal services face administrative punishment and potential police intervention.

Entities

Hun Manet · Cambodia · Commission for Combating Online Scams · Secretariat of the Commission for Combating Online Scams · Sar Sokha

Timeline

  1. [CRIME] 2 sources
    Cambodia launches nationwide casino inspections to ban online betting

    Cambodia is launching nationwide casino inspections to enforce a ban on illegal online gambling operations following a directive from Prime Minister Hun Manet.

  2. [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Cambodia to ban online casino gambling to combat fraud

    Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced a ban on all online casino gambling starting in October to combat widespread technological fraud and protect the nation's economy and reputation.

  3. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Cambodia to suspend all online casino gambling from October

    Cambodia will suspend all online casino gambling nationwide starting in October 2026 to combat online fraud and improve financial monitoring and regulatory oversight.

  4. [CRIME] 2 sources
    Cambodia revokes 20 casino licenses in online scam crackdown

    Cambodia has revoked 20 casino licenses and suspended 29 others during a massive crackdown on online scam networks, resulting in hundreds of facility closures and thousands of suspects facing court action.

Sources

anninhthudo.vn · chiangraitimes.com · mekongasean.vn · thanhnien.vn · thegamblest.com · tuoitre.vn

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history