Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has confirmed that no new casino licences will be issued in Siem Reap province as the government reviews the country’s gaming sector.
Manet announced the decision on 16 September 2026 after requests from potential operators. Investors can still pursue hotels and other developments supporting tourism and the local economy. Angkor Wat archaeological complex. Manet said the province should attract investment without relying on casinos and that the government would accept responsibility if the policy affected the local economy. The government has made heritage protection a central part of its position on future development in the province.
Online gambling at land-based casinos will stop in October
Cambodia is also preparing to suspend online gambling operations conducted from casino premises from early October, including activities linked to livestreaming.
The government said the measure is intended to address technology-based scams, suspicious financial flows and the use of casinos for illicit activities. Interior Minister Sar Sokha previously said authorities had identified online gambling livestreamed from casinos, creating difficulties in monitoring the money involved.
The suspension is expected to give authorities time to strengthen the legal, technical and regulatory framework. Casinos continuing online gambling after the suspension could face licence revocation and other legal action.
Government reviews casino numbers and raises investment requirements
Manet has questioned whether Cambodia needs more than 100 casinos and confirmed the government is reviewing the existing sector through a new working group established alongside an existing body.
The investment threshold for new casino projects has increased to at least $100 million. Manet said casinos were originally permitted to attract broad economic activity rather than operate as standalone gambling venues in border areas.
The review follows a crackdown on technology-enabled scams. Authorities reported in September that 18 casino licences had been revoked over links to online scam activities, while nine others were suspended pending further investigation.
Earlier government figures covering July 2025 to July 2026 showed authorities inspected 195 licensed casinos. During that period, 20 licences were revoked, 29 suspended and 23 expired or ceased operations.
Licensing changes signal tighter controls for existing casino operators
The latest measures leave Siem Reap open to tourism and hospitality investment while ruling out casino licences. Existing operators face the more immediate October suspension of online gambling from land-based casino premises, alongside increased scrutiny of the wider industry.
Future casino developments elsewhere will also face the higher $100 million investment requirement as the government reassesses the number, location and operation of licensed properties
Keeping casinos out of Siem Reap shows Cambodia is drawing a line between gaming development and destinations where heritage tourism carries higher economic value. The wider licence review and suspension of casino-based online gambling also suggest existing operators will face more scrutiny as the government responds.
Share
6 views
