🎯 Why Cambodia’s Border Casinos Are So Popular
Border towns like Poipet (near Thailand) and Bavet (near Vietnam) have become famous hubs for legal casino gambling.
- ✅ Gambling is legal for foreign tourists
- ✅ Dozens of licensed casinos in operation
- ✅ Great for weekend trips from Thailand or Vietnam
- ✅ Big variety of table games, slots, and betting shops
- ✅ No online account needed — cash and chips only
These zones are off-limits to Cambodian locals but 100% accessible to travelers carrying valid identification.
🗺️ Poipet – Casino City on the Thai Border
Located just across the Aranyaprathet (Thailand)–Poipet (Cambodia) checkpoint, Poipet is home to:
- 🏨 Big-name casinos like Star Vegas, Grand Diamond, and Holiday Palace
- 🛂 Entry with passport or border pass (Thai)
- 💴 Gambling done with casino-issued tokens or USD
- 🚕 Easy to access by bus, train, or private taxi from Bangkok or Pattaya
Tips for Thai visitors:
- No visa needed if you’re doing a same-day round trip (check latest visa exemptions)
- Bring cash in Baht or USD — exchange available at border booths
- Dress casual but neat; casinos may refuse entry for inappropriate attire
🌉 Bavet – The Vegas of the Vietnamese Border
Right on the Mộc Bài (Vietnam)–Bavet (Cambodia) border, this town is popular with Vietnamese tourists who enjoy:
- 🎲 Casinos like Titan King, New World, and Casino Vegas
- 📱 Vietnamese-language service in many venues
- 🛏 Cheap hotels and cross-border packages
- 🛃 Entry allowed with passport or temporary border card
Tips for Vietnamese visitors:
- Visa exemptions often apply for short trips — double-check latest border policies
- USDT and crypto are increasingly accepted, especially for high rollers
- Most staff speak Vietnamese, Khmer, or basic English
🎮 What Games Can You Play?
At both Poipet and Bavet, you’ll find:
- 🎰 Slot machines (from 25¢ to VIP)
- ♠️ Table games: Blackjack, Baccarat, Roulette
- 🃏 Poker rooms (Texas Hold’em, Omaha)
- 🎯 Sports betting lounges
- 🪙 VIP tables with private dealers
- 💱 On-site currency exchange & ATMs
High rollers can request private VIP rooms, free meals, or even accommodation.
🧳 Travel & Hotel Tips
🏨 Accommodation
- Most casinos operate hotel-casino combos
- Prices range from budget $25/night to luxury $150+
- Booking direct often gets you discounted casino chips
🛂 Border & Visa Info
| Border | Entry Needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🇹🇭 Thailand–Poipet | Passport or Thai Border Pass | No visa needed for same-day exit |
| 🇻🇳 Vietnam–Bavet | Passport or Mộc Bài Day Pass | No visa for short stays |
🚕 Transport Tips:
- From Bangkok: train to Aranyaprathet + tuk-tuk
- From Ho Chi Minh: bus to Mộc Bài (3–4 hrs)
- Return trips should be planned before 5 PM to avoid immigration queues
💡 Tips for a Safe Trip
✅ Use official exchange booths – avoid street changers
✅ Carry only what you need – leave valuables in hotel
✅ Don’t take photos inside casinos – most forbid it
✅ Stay hydrated – free drinks usually available
✅ Set a spending limit before you arrive
❓ FAQ
Is gambling legal in Poipet or Bavet?
Yes – for non-Cambodian foreigners only. Cambodians are not allowed to gamble.
Do I need a visa to enter Cambodia?
Most Thai and Vietnamese citizens get short-term access at the border. But check current entry rules before traveling.
Can I bet with crypto?
Some Bavet and Poipet casinos accept USDT or BTC for VIP customers — ask inside.
📌 Final Word
Cambodia’s border casinos in Poipet and Bavet are legal, safe, and fun for foreign players. Just bring your passport, stay aware, and enjoy world-class gambling just across the border.
🔗 Gambling in Poipet →
🔗 Gambling in Bavet →
🔗 Crypto Betting in Cambodia →
🔗 Online Betting Guide →