Gambling in Cambodia is a mix of opportunity and complexity — especially if you’re a foreigner, expat, or local punter trying to stay on the right side of the law.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about gambling laws in Cambodia, including:
- Who can gamble (and who can’t)
- What types of gambling are legal
- Where casinos can operate
- The current status of online gambling
- Future trends in Cambodian gambling regulation
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🇰🇭 Is Gambling Legal in Cambodia?
✅ Yes — but with strict conditions:
- Foreigners (tourists & expats)
✔️ Allowed to gamble in licensed casinos
✔️ Can participate in land-based gaming and some offshore online gambling - Cambodian citizens
❌ Not legally allowed to gamble in any licensed casino
❌ Local players are banned from casino floors (even if using crypto or online)
⚠️ There are exceptions for small, local lotteries and traditional games like cockfighting — but commercial gambling remains off-limits to Cambodian nationals.
🏢 Key Gambling Law: Law on the Management of Commercial Gambling (LMCG)
Passed in August 2020, the LMCG is the main legislation that:
- Defines what types of gambling are allowed
- Outlines the licensing and compliance system
- Establishes “gambling zones” in Cambodia (see below)
- Forms the basis for regulating casinos, betting shops, and gaming operators
The LMCG replaced outdated gambling laws and brought Cambodia closer to international gaming standards.
🗺️ Legal Gambling Zones in Cambodia
Cambodia divides the country into three gambling zones:
| Zone Type | What It Means | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 🚫 Prohibited Zones | No gambling allowed, especially near cultural sites | Angkor Wat, many rural areas |
| ✅ Promoted Zones | Designed for casino resorts and gambling tourism | Sihanoukville, Koh Kong |
| ⚠️ Favored Zones | Allowed but under stricter rules | Border towns like Bavet, Poipet, O Smach |
Any new casino must be located inside a promoted or favored zone, or it won’t be licensed.
🔗 Explore Cambodia’s Legal Gambling Zones
🎰 Who Regulates Gambling in Cambodia?
The gambling industry is supervised by:
🏛️ Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC)
- Oversees licensing of casinos and betting operators
- Enforces regulations and anti-money laundering rules
- Works with ministries and law enforcement to prevent illegal gambling
The CGMC was created under the 2020 LMCG law and reports directly to the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
💻 Is Online Gambling Legal in Cambodia?
❌ No – Online gambling is officially banned.
In August 2019, Cambodia’s Prime Minister ordered all online gambling licenses to be canceled, citing:
- Illegal activity and fraud targeting foreign investors
- Cybercrime and extortion scandals
- Damage to Cambodia’s international reputation
📌 Today:
- No new online gambling licenses are being issued
- Sites that were licensed before the ban had their permits revoked
- Many Cambodians still access international offshore gambling sites using VPNs and crypto
🔐 Read: Crypto Betting in Cambodia – Safe & Fast
🧑⚖️ Penalties for Illegal Gambling in Cambodia
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Local citizen caught gambling in casino | Fine + potential arrest |
| Operating an unlicensed gambling site | Heavy fines + criminal prosecution |
| Foreigners gambling illegally | Risk of deportation or blacklisting |
| Online gambling ring operation | Severe penalties under cybercrime laws |
Law enforcement occasionally cracks down on illegal street betting, cockfighting rings, and online fraud.
🔄 2024–2025 Gambling Law Updates
- Ban on new casinos in Kep and Kampot provinces (except Bokor Mountain)
- Tighter AML (Anti-Money Laundering) measures for casinos
- Emphasis on “integrated resorts” in promoted zones
- Rumors of a future licensing framework for crypto gambling (not confirmed)
🔗 Latest News on Cambodia Gambling Policy
🧠 Key Takeaways – Cambodia Gambling Laws
| Topic | Status |
|---|---|
| Land-based casinos for foreigners | ✅ Legal with license |
| Casinos for Cambodian nationals | ❌ Illegal |
| Online gambling | ❌ Banned since 2019 |
| Crypto betting (offshore) | ⚠️ Legal grey area |
| Casino licenses | ✅ Controlled by CGMC |
| Legal gambling zones | ✅ Strictly designated by law |
🎯 Want to Bet Safely in Cambodia?
- For expats & tourists: Play at licensed casinos in Poipet, Bavet, Phnom Penh, or Sihanoukville
- For locals: Offshore crypto sites are common but come with legal risks
- Use VPNs and trusted platforms only if you’re operating in grey zones
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💸 Start Crypto Betting Safely
🏙️ Explore Gambling in Poipet, Bavet & Sihanoukville