Prime Minister Hun Manet has confirmed that no new casino licenses will be granted in Siem Reap province. The decision reflects a broader governmental policy shift to decouple the tourism sector from casino development, prioritizing the province’s cultural heritage and the UNESCO World Heritage status of the Angkor Wat complex.

Cultural Preservation and Economic Pivot in Siem Reap

The government maintains that Siem Reap should rely on non-gaming hospitality and infrastructure investments to sustain economic growth rather than land-based gaming operations. Prime Minister Manet emphasized that investors are encouraged to pursue hotel, infrastructure, and heritage-focused developments. The administration stated it would accept policy responsibility should the restriction impact short-term regional growth, reaffirming that protecting the cultural reputation of Siem Reap takes precedence over gaming-related revenue.

Ban on Casino-Based Remote Operations

Alongside regional licensing restrictions, Cambodia is preparing a nationwide suspension of online gambling operations conducted from physical casino premises, effective early October 2026. The directive specifically targets remote betting activities, live-dealer proxy streaming, and digital platforms operated from within licensed venues.

Interior Ministry oversight identified remote live-streaming inside casino facilities as a major regulatory blind spot, citing difficulties in monitoring transaction volumes and counteracting tech-enabled financial fraud. The temporary halt aims to allow regulatory authorities time to overhaul legal frameworks, technical surveillance standards, and compliance mechanisms. Operators failing to comply face immediate license revocations and legal penalties.

Industry Review and License Rationalization

The government has initiated a comprehensive review of Cambodia's active casino market, questioning the necessity of maintaining over 100 licensed facilities nationwide. To oversee this restructuring, a dedicated inter-agency working group has been established alongside existing regulatory bodies.

Future commercial gaming projects must now meet a minimum investment threshold of $100 million. Furthermore, authorities have executed rigorous enforcement measures, revoking 18 casino licenses following investigations into tech-enabled scam networks and suspending nine others. Overall audit figures covering July 2025 through July 2026 show inspections across 195 licensed venues, resulting in 20 license revocations, 29 suspensions, and 23 natural license expirations or operational shutdowns.

The policy adjustments indicate a structural shift toward tighter regulatory supervision, higher entry barriers for potential operators, and a clear separation between regulated brick-and-mortar gaming and digital operations.

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