Cambodia Strengthens Measures Against Illegal Gambling

Cambodia is reviewing a draft law that could reinforce penalties for illegal gambling and bring enforcement closer to the country’s existing commercial gambling statute. The review was led by the Justice Ministry, which was trying to determine how the legal system could be strengthened and what kind of coordination would be required for that.

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This discussion took place in Phnom Penh on August 10. Representatives of the Justice Ministry, Interior Ministry, police force, and Commercial Gambling Management Commission (CGMC) attended the discussion. Their meeting focused on a draft measure intended to create a more consistent response to illegal gambling across the country.

The move comes as Cambodia continues to face pressure over casinos and online scam operations. The issue has drawn attention because of reported links between some casino sites and serious abuses, making the government’s effort to improve oversight an important part of the wider response.

Draft Law Targets Illegal Activity

The proposed law is expected to make penalties more consistent with existing legal provisions. It is also designed to improve coordination among the government agencies involved in enforcing gambling rules. By reviewing the draft, officials are examining how the country can strengthen its approach to illegal gambling while keeping enforcement connected to the commercial gambling statute.

The legal review does not stand alone. It follows other steps aimed at increasing scrutiny of the commercial gaming sector. Last month, Cambodia’s gambling regulator moved toward nationwide casino inspections, showing that authorities are preparing to examine gambling operations across the country more closely.

The proposed inspections fit into a broader scheme of overseeing casinos as well as bringing increased monitoring of the commercial gaming industry. Yet the article from which the information is taken does not give any information concerning the timing, scope, and results of these proposed inspections.

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Pressure Over Casino Operations

Cambodia’s actions come after continued concern surrounding casinos and online scam operations. In April, Amnesty International said that casino approvals issued late last year and early this year were connected to locations where trafficking, forced labor, and torture had been documented.

These allegations have added pressure around the country’s gambling industry and the way casino sites are approved and supervised. Both the draft law and the proposed inspections bring more monitoring to illegal gambling and commercial gaming. Yet there is no information concerning the approval or implementation of the draft law.

Regulators Prepare Further Assessments

The priorities of CGMC for the upcoming period were also highlighted by the commission. The official Facebook update issued on July 20 revealed that the preparations for the assessment and the priorities for the remaining six months of 2026 were evaluated by the higher officials, in addition to the outline of the strategy for the period 2027 to 2030.

From the examination of the draft legislation and the preparation process for the inspections around the country, it can be seen that Cambodia is developing various aspects of its gambling regulation simultaneously. Officials are examining penalties, agency coordination, casino assessments, and longer-term regulatory priorities.

For now, the draft remains under review. Its final effect will depend on the legal process and the steps that follow, but the Justice Ministry’s meeting signals a continued effort to strengthen Cambodia’s response to illegal gambling and improve supervision of the commercial gaming sector.

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Source: GGB Magazine