The Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC) is moving forward with plans to implement a formal suitability screening process for renewing casino licenses. This decision was discussed during a meeting led by Secretary General Yeth Vinel on September 4. The proposed framework focuses on establishing minimum requirements for operators seeking to either retain or acquire a license, indicating a significant increase in regulatory oversight within the industry. However, specifics regarding the scoring criteria and the timeline for implementation have not yet been disclosed.
This regulatory shift coincides with an intensified campaign by the Cambodian government aimed at tackling scams and illegal financial activities associated with the casino sector. As reported by Khmer Times, a significant decision has been made to halt all online gambling operations at casinos starting in October 2026. This initiative is intended to sever connections between casinos and cyber-fraud operations, as well as to address issues surrounding untraceable financial flows. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha has cautioned that any casino that violates this suspension risks losing its license and facing additional legal penalties.
In a recent report from Cambodia’s state news agency, AKP, authorities have conducted inspections at 195 licensed casinos as part of this broader anti-scam initiative. This scrutiny has led to the revocation of 20 casino licenses, the suspension of 29, and the natural lapse of an additional 23 licenses. Touch Sokhak, deputy spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, highlighted that the operation aims to prevent Cambodia from becoming a sanctuary for technology-related criminals involved in money laundering.
Despite the government's bold stance against scams, the crackdown has adversely affected the Cambodian economy. In May, the government revised its 2026 GDP growth forecast downward as sectors like construction, real estate, and consumer spending feel the immediate repercussions of the ongoing enforcement efforts.
Currently, the CGMC has not shared a timeline for finalizing the integrity and quality framework, leaving casino operators uncertain about forthcoming requirements. This ambiguity comes as Phnom Penh prepares to host a significant anti-scam conference on September 23-24. Initially titled "Together Towards Disrupting the Chain and Ending Online Scams," the conference has been rebranded to "Acting Together towards Breaking the Chain and Eradication of Online Scams."
Prime Minister Hun Manet has described the government’s crackdown as a necessary step to "clean our house" and improve Cambodia’s international standing.
