The Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC) is implementing a new formal screening process for casino licence renewals as part of its efforts to enhance regulatory oversight. On September 4, during a meeting led by Secretary General Yeth Vinel, the CGMC discussed a draft framework aimed at ensuring that operators fulfill minimum standards to retain or acquire their licences. However, specific details regarding the scoring criteria and the date for when this new system will be put into practice have not yet been released.
This move aligns with a broader crackdown by the Cambodian government against scams and illegal financial operations associated with casinos. In a major announcement, the government revealed plans to halt all online gambling at casinos beginning in October 2026. This is intended to sever connections between casinos and cyber-fraud activities while addressing issues related to untraceable money flows. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha made it clear that casinos failing to comply with the suspension could face revocation of their licences and potential legal repercussions.
In a report from August, Cambodia’s state news agency, AKP, indicated that authorities had inspected 195 licensed casinos as part of the anti-scam initiative, resulting in the revocation of 20 licences, a suspension of 29 others, and the natural lapse of an additional 23 licences. Touch Sokhak, deputy spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, stated that the operations are meant to prevent Cambodia from becoming a refuge for technology-related criminals engaged in money laundering.
Nevertheless, this ongoing enforcement drive is affecting Cambodia's economy. The government has already adjusted its GDP growth projections for 2026, as the construction, real estate, and consumer spending sectors feel the immediate impacts of the crackdown.
As for the timing of the new integrity and quality framework, the CGMC has not revealed when it will be finalized, leaving casino operators awaiting clarity on the new licensing requirements. This uncertainty arises as Phnom Penh readies itself to host an important anti-scam conference on September 23-24, which aims to tackle online scam networks. Initially labeled "Together Towards Disrupting the Chain and Ending Online Scams" in an AKP report, the conference is now officially themed as "Acting Together towards Breaking the Chain and Eradication of Online Scams."
Prime Minister Hun Manet has publicly described the crackdown as a crucial step in "cleaning our house" and restoring Cambodia’s international standing.
