Cambodia's Commercial Gambling Management Commission (CGMC) is developing a new framework to evaluate casino operators as part of the country's casino license renewal process, as authorities continue strengthening oversight of the gambling industry.
The framework was discussed during a meeting in Phnom Penh, chaired by CGMC Secretary-General Yeth Vinel and attended by representatives from the regulator's Internal Audit Unit, technical advisers and department officials.
According to the CGMC, the proposed framework will establish minimum suitability requirements for obtaining or renewing casino licenses based on Cambodia's gambling laws and regulatory framework. It is also intended to improve the integrity and quality of the country's commercial gambling sector.
The review comes as Cambodia prepares to suspend online gambling operations at all licensed casinos from October under measures aimed at combating online scams and improving oversight of financial transactions.
Interior Minister Sar Sokha said the decision, approved by Prime Minister Hun Manet, follows investigations that found some online gambling activities were being livestreamed from casino premises and that related financial flows presented monitoring challenges.
During the suspension, authorities will work on strengthening the legal framework, digital infrastructure and regulatory systems governing online gambling. Operations will only be allowed to resume after the new management framework has been completed. Casinos that continue offering online gambling after the suspension takes effect could face license revocation and other legal action.
The announcement forms part of Cambodia's wider enforcement campaign against online scam networks. Between July 2025 and August 31, 2026, authorities investigated 793 suspected locations, raided 624 sites and dismantled 86 scam centers.
During the same period, nearly 30,000 suspects from 39 nationalities were detained, while more than 22,000 foreign nationals from 38 countries were rescued and repatriated.
Authorities also took legal action against 27 casinos linked to enforcement operations, revoking the licenses of 18 properties and suspending another nine. Officials said investigations remain ongoing as criminal groups increasingly shift operations to rented houses, vehicles and other concealed locations while law enforcement expands cooperation with international partners to combat transnational crime.
The new framework aims to establish minimum suitability requirements for obtaining or renewing casino licenses
