Cambodia will suspend online gambling operations conducted from casinos across the country from October 2026, as the government strengthens its campaign against technology-related scams and suspicious financial activity.
The decision was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha on September 5. The suspension will apply to online gambling activities operated or broadcast from casino premises, while ordinary casinos will not be closed as a result of the measure.
What Is Cambodia Suspending?
The government is targeting online gambling operations that are conducted from casino locations, particularly activities that are broadcast live online.
According to Interior Minister Sar Sokha, authorities found that these operations made it difficult to monitor financial flows and determine the origins of money moving through the businesses.
The suspension is intended to give the government time to strengthen the rules and systems used to regulate these activities.
This distinction is important for tourists: Cambodia is not announcing the closure of all casinos. The measure concerns online gambling operations connected to casino premises.
Why Is Cambodia Taking This Step?
The decision comes as Cambodia continues a nationwide crackdown on technology-related scams and illegal financial activity.
Authorities have increasingly focused on casino properties because some have been linked to online scam operations. The government says it is also trying to improve its ability to track suspicious money flows and prevent casino facilities from being used for illegal activities.
During the current crackdown, Cambodian authorities have already taken action against a number of casino operators. According to the government, 18 casino licences have been revoked and another nine have been suspended following investigations into involvement in online scam activities.
The government has said that inspections and investigations will continue.
Will Casinos in Cambodia Close?
No. The October measure does not mean that all casinos in Cambodia will shut down.
The suspension specifically concerns online gambling operations conducted from casino premises. Traditional casino operations are not covered by the announcement simply because they are located in the same buildings.
For travelers visiting Cambodia’s major casino destinations, this means the announcement should not automatically be interpreted as a closure of the country’s casino resorts.
What Does This Mean for Tourists?
For most tourists, the immediate practical impact should be limited.
If you are traveling to Cambodia for sightseeing, beaches, temples, food or cultural attractions, the suspension does not change the basic requirements for entering or traveling around the country.
It is also not a new tourist visa restriction and does not prevent visitors from staying in cities where casinos operate.
The main change is related to how certain gambling businesses operate from casino premises and how those operations are regulated by the Cambodian authorities.
What About Sihanoukville and Other Casino Destinations?
Sihanoukville is one of the Cambodian destinations where casino development has been particularly visible. The city has undergone major redevelopment in recent years and remains an important gateway to Cambodia’s southern islands.
However, travelers should not assume that the new policy means casino hotels or the city itself are closing.
If you are visiting Sihanoukville, the wider destination remains open. You can still use the city as a base for exploring the coast and traveling onward to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem.
For practical information about the destination, see our Sihanoukville Travel Guide.
Cambodia’s Wider Crackdown on Online Scams
The gambling suspension is part of a much broader government campaign against online scams.
According to figures released by Cambodian authorities, operations between July 2025 and August 31, 2026 targeted hundreds of suspected scam locations across the country. Authorities reported dismantling 86 major scam compounds and rescuing and repatriating more than 22,000 foreign nationals.
The government has also increased scrutiny of casino properties suspected of being connected to scam operations.
For travelers, this is another reason to be cautious when dealing with unfamiliar online businesses, employment offers or financial schemes while in Cambodia.
Our guide to Cambodia scams to avoid covers the common situations tourists should watch for.
What Happens Next?
The suspension is described as temporary.
During the suspension, Cambodian ministries and relevant agencies are expected to strengthen the legal and regulatory framework governing online gambling, improve digital infrastructure and develop the specialised personnel needed to monitor these operations.
The government will consider allowing online gambling operations to resume after these measures are in place.
Casinos that violate the suspension from October could face licence revocation and other legal action.
The Bottom Line
Cambodia will suspend online gambling operations conducted from casinos starting in October 2026.
The decision is part of the government’s broader campaign against online scams and suspicious financial activity. It does not mean that all casinos are closing, and it does not introduce a new restriction on ordinary tourists visiting Cambodia.
For travelers, the most important point is simply to understand the scope of the announcement. If you are planning a normal holiday in Cambodia, your travel plans should not be affected directly by the suspension.