Online casinos are illegal in Cambodia following a comprehensive ban implemented in 2019, though land-based casinos remain legal exclusively for foreign visitors. The Law on the Management of Commercial Gaming enacted in November 2020 provides the regulatory framework governing all gambling activities, while the 1996 Law on Suppression of Gambling prohibits unauthorized forms of gambling for Cambodian citizens (2). The Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia oversees licensing and enforcement of gambling regulations across the kingdom (1).
Cambodia divides its territory into three distinct gaming zones: prohibited zones, promoted zones, and favored zones. The promoted zones located in coastal provinces of Sihanouk and Koh Kong are the only areas where new integrated resorts may be developed (1). While approximately 125 land-based casinos operate legally throughout Cambodia serving foreign tourists, these establishments are strictly off-limits to Cambodian nationals who face legal consequences for gambling participation.
"Gambling has actually been illegal for Cambodian citizens since 1996 because of the social problems it can cause. This means that only foreigners can engage in these activities."
The 2019 online gambling ban addressed growing concerns about fraud, human trafficking, and criminal networks operating through digital platforms. Despite this prohibition, illegal online gambling operations continue underground, particularly in cities like Sihanoukville which international authorities have identified as major scam hubs (1). Licensed casino operators face penalties ranging from written warnings to license revocation for violations, with operators required to pay gross gaming revenue tax between 4% and 7% (2).
Source:
https://data.opendevelopmentcambodia.net/laws_record/?taxonomy=Gaming
https://belaws.com/cambodia/commerical-gaming-law-cambodia/
Last updated: 13-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
