Cambodia has intensified its strategy to protect its regulated gaming industry after Prime Minister Hun Manet declared on June 29, 2026, that restoring the country's international reputation has become one of the government's top priorities following the exposure of scam centers linked to several casinos. The Prime Minister emphasized that the government's objective is to clearly separate licensed gaming operators from criminal organizations by strengthening state oversight to safeguard an industry considered strategic for tourism, foreign investment, and economic development.
Hun Manet's remarks came as part of the nationwide enforcement campaign led by the Ad Hoc Commission for Combating Online Scams, working alongside the Ministry of Interior led by Sar Sokha, the National Police of Cambodia, immigration authorities, and provincial governments. He reiterated that Cambodia will maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward organized fraud networks while expanding international cooperation to prevent criminal groups from using casinos as fronts for illegal activities. The initiative is designed to protect the regulated gaming market without harming operators that fully comply with Cambodian law.
Sar Sokha
The government's strategy builds on the country's largest enforcement campaign to date. Between 2025 and 2026, authorities shut down 91 casinos linked to scam operations, carried out more than 250 enforcement raids, deported 13,039 foreign nationals representing 33 different countries, and reported that 241,888 foreigners voluntarily left Cambodia from mid-January as part of a nationwide cleanup aimed at restoring confidence in the country's gaming sector.
Cambodia remains home to one of Southeast Asia's largest land-based casino industries, operating under the Law on the Management of Integrated Resorts and Commercial Gambling, which entered into force in 2020 and strengthened licensing procedures, regulatory compliance, and anti-money laundering controls.
The country hosts flagship gaming destinations including NagaWorld, operated by NagaCorp Ltd. in Phnom Penh, as well as Grand Diamond City Casino, Holiday Palace Casino, and DNA Star Vegas in Poipet, together with major casino properties in Bavet and Sihanoukville, all of which play a vital role in border tourism and regional economic activity.
Through this new phase, the Cambodian government is reaffirming its commitment to responsible gaming, protecting licensed casino operators, attracting international investment, and reinforcing confidence in one of the country's fastest-growing tourism industries.
