Cambodia is moving to strengthen its legal response to illegal gambling through a new draft law designed to reinforce criminal penalties and improve coordination with the country's existing commercial gambling framework.
The proposed legislation was reviewed during a meeting in Phnom Penh co-chaired by Ministry of Justice Secretary of State Keng Somarith and Ministry of Interior Secretary of State Bun Hon. Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC) Secretary General Yeth Vinel also attended, alongside representatives from the Anti-Corruption Unit, the General Commissariat of National Police and other government officials.
Discussions centred on the structure of the draft law and its penal provisions, with authorities seeking to ensure the legislation complements the Law on the Management of Commercial Gambling while providing a stronger legal basis for tackling illegal gambling activities.
The review marks the latest step in Cambodia's ongoing efforts to tighten oversight of the gambling sector through closer cooperation between regulators, law enforcement agencies and other government bodies.
The proposed legislation follows a series of regulatory initiatives led by the CGMC in recent months. Last month, the regulator reviewed preparations for nationwide casino inspections and evaluations aimed at improving compliance standards and operational quality across licensed casinos. Officials also continued work on the commission's 2027-2030 strategic plan, which will outline long-term priorities for regulating the country's commercial gambling industry.
Those discussions built on earlier meetings focused on strengthening inspection procedures and improving the management of casino employee licensing.
Cambodia has also stepped up enforcement against operators suspected of criminal activity. In May, the CGMC revoked the license of Casino Ying Huang after authorities uncovered alleged links to online scam operations during a police raid. The operation resulted in the detention of 66 individuals and the seizure of nearly 1,000 computers, more than 400 mobile phones, a firearm and suspected narcotics.
Following the investigation, the regulator warned licensed casino operators to comply fully with Cambodian law and avoid any involvement in online scams or other illegal activities, reinforcing the Government's broader push to strengthen integrity across the country's gaming industry.
The draft law forms part of Cambodia's broader effort to strengthen gambling oversight through tighter regulation and enforcement
