Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has said the country's shutdown of online gambling is not a temporary measure, reaffirming that the government has no plans to reopen the sector or issue new licences.
His comments come ahead of an October deadline requiring casinos nationwide to suspend online gambling operations. The measure was announced earlier this month as part of Cambodia's broader efforts to combat technology-based fraud and restrict financial flows linked to unclear or illegal sources.
Manet said online gambling has become increasingly difficult for authorities to monitor as operators use computer systems and online networks to conceal activities. He linked the sector to wider concerns surrounding scams, national security and the integrity of Cambodia's financial system.
The Government is particularly concerned about online gambling operations being used alongside fraudulent activities targeting victims overseas. Manet said such scams have resulted in significant financial losses for victims, including retirement savings in some cases.
Authorities have been instructed to continue coordinating across agencies, including the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, to tackle online scams and related offences.
Manet also argued that online gambling provides limited employment benefits for Cambodia because a large proportion of workers in the sector are foreigners. Workers currently dependent on the industry were encouraged to seek jobs in other parts of the economy.
However, the Government said legitimate businesses that provide goods, vehicle rentals or other services to the sector would not automatically face penalties as a result of the shutdown.
Manet also called for enforcement to follow proper procedures, stressing that officials should avoid violence or mistreatment while implementing the Government's measures.
Businesses legally providing services to the sector will not be penalised solely because of the shutdown
