Cambodia's gaming regulator CGMC is developing a formal procedure to assess operator suitability for casino licence renewals. The draft framework for 'integrity and quality' checks was reviewed on September 4 at a meeting chaired by secretary-general Yeth Vinel.
The proposed system sets minimum conditions operators must meet to retain or obtain a licence. Details of the assessment criteria and implementation timeline have not been disclosed.
Online gambling ban from October 2026
The tightening comes alongside a sweeping government campaign against fraud and illicit financial flows linked to casinos. According to Khmer Times, authorities announced a suspension of all online operations at casinos from October 2026. The aim is to sever ties between casinos, cyber-fraud and opaque money flows.
Deputy prime minister and interior minister Sar Sokha warned that breaching the moratorium would result in licence revocation and legal consequences.
In August authorities inspected 195 licensed casinos. Twenty licences were revoked, 29 suspended, and another 23 expired naturally. Deputy interior ministry spokesman Touch Sokhak said the operation aims to prevent Cambodia becoming 'a haven for tech criminals and money laundering'.
But the crackdown is hitting the economy. In May the government cut its GDP growth forecast for 2026 due to falling activity in construction, real estate and consumer spending.
Conference without clarity on timing
CGMC has not said when the new assessment framework will be finalised. That leaves operators without clear guidance ahead of a major anti-scam conference in Phnom Penh on September 23–24. Prime minister Hun Manet called the crackdown an attempt to 'put the house in order' and restore the country's international reputation.
