Cambodia to Halt Online Casino Gambling From October

The Cambodian Prime Minister, Hun Manet, stated that all online gambling activities that take place within physical casinos will be stopped from October.

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This move is meant to curb any fraud or money laundering through technology. He said that online gambling activities have become extremely hard to control, leading to the need for the authorities to stop the activities due to the technology scam that is going on.

This was stated during the launch of the Luang Me or Queen Mother Hospital in Phnom Penh.

The prime minister said online casino operations would be suspended from early October. The government’s focus is to continue its strict action against online scams and prevent them from returning.

The suspension applies to online gambling operations connected to land-based casinos across Cambodia. The announcement did not state an exact date in October when the measure would begin.

Focus on Technology-Related Fraud

The government said the decision is linked to concerns about technology-related fraud and illegal financial activity.

Online gambling has become difficult to monitor and regulate, according to the prime minister. The suspension is intended to help authorities address the financial and technological channels that can be connected to online scams.

The announcement forms part of Cambodia’s continuing effort to combat technology-based fraud. The government is seeking to stop the re-emergence of online scam activity by taking action against online gambling operations at casino properties.

Hun Manet stated that the crackdown would remain strict. Suspension would apply to online gambling conducted by land-based casinos until the government is done dealing with the issues of scams and illegal money transactions.

No additional information was provided regarding how the suspension would be enforced or how long it would take effect. There were no specific criteria listed for when online gambling could resume.

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Casino Numbers Also Under Review

Hun Manet also said Cambodia’s current number of more than 100 casinos is excessive.

He instructed authorities to review casino licensing requirements as part of an effort to reduce the total number of gaming establishments in the country.

The review of licensing conditions is separate from the October suspension of online gambling operations. However, both measures are connected to the government’s broader effort to strengthen its oversight of the casino sector.

The prime minister did not state how many casinos Cambodia aims to have after the planned reduction. He also did not provide a timeframe for when authorities must complete the review of licensing requirements.

For now, the government has confirmed that it will examine the conditions under which casino licenses are issued. The review is expected to guide efforts to lower the total number of licensed establishments.

Casino Licensing and Tourism

Cambodia has traditionally issued casino licenses to support foreign tourism.

Domestic law strictly prohibits Cambodian citizens from gambling. Casino operations are therefore designed around foreign visitors and are subject to the country’s licensing system.

Except for the NagaWorld resort in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s casinos are located along international borders or in the coastal province of Preah Sihanouk.

The location of most casino venues reflects the country’s approach to tourism-related gaming. Border areas and coastal locations have been the main sites for casino operations, while NagaWorld is the exception as a casino resort in the capital.

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Source: The Star