Cambodia is home to world-famous casinos, a fast-growing online betting scene, and a strong local culture around Kun Khmer and football. But one big question keeps coming up:
Can you legally bet in Cambodia?
The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no. It depends on who you are, where you are, and how you bet. In this 2025 guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about gambling in Cambodia — whether you’re a local, a tourist, or someone betting from your mobile.
🏛️ Gambling Laws in Cambodia: An Overview
Cambodia has a unique set of gambling laws. Here’s the short version:
- Cambodian citizens are not allowed to gamble in casinos
- Foreigners are legally allowed to gamble in licensed casinos
- Online gambling is in a legal grey area, but enforcement focuses on operators, not users
- Traditional games (like dice, card games, cockfighting) still happen informally in many provinces
- The government is working on updated legislation for online betting, especially for taxation
So, while the letter of the law bans locals from gambling, in practice, millions of Khmer players still participate in sports betting and online casinos — especially through mobile apps and foreign sites.
🎰 Are Land-Based Casinos Legal in Cambodia?
Yes, but with restrictions.
- Only foreign passport holders can legally gamble in land-based casinos
- Popular casino cities include:
- Poipet (Thai-Cambodia border)
- Bavet (Vietnam border)
- Sihanoukville
- Koh Kong
- Phnom Penh (NagaWorld)
Casinos like Star Vegas, Grand Diamond, and NagaWorld operate under government licenses and attract thousands of Thai and Vietnamese players each month.
🔒 Cambodian nationals can enter for food, shows, or shops — but not gamble legally.
📱 Is Online Betting Legal in Cambodia?
Technically, operating an online gambling site from within Cambodia is illegal, following a 2020 ban. However:
- The law does not criminalize individual players
- Many Khmer players use international platforms like 1xBet, Betway, Betwinner, and 855Bet
- Payments are typically made via ABA, Wing, Skrill, or crypto (USDT TRC20)
- Thousands of Cambodian players bet online every day, often via mobile
✅ Tip: Choose licensed international sites with a solid reputation, and use secure, private payment methods.
🏆 Popular Betting Options in Cambodia (2025)
Whether you’re a foreigner visiting Cambodia or a local placing bets online, these are the most common betting formats:
1. Football Betting
- Premier League, Champions League, Thai League, SEA tournaments
- Most popular among Khmer bettors
- Found on both online sportsbooks and agent networks
2. Kun Khmer Betting
- Bet on local fights, often in cash at stadiums or agent-organized circles
- Growing online via sportsbook platforms that offer combat sports markets
3. Online Casino Games
- Slots, live dealer games, baccarat, Dragon Tiger, and Sic Bo
- Available on 1xBet, Betwinner, 188Bet, and more
4. Border Casino Trips
- Thai players cross into Poipet for weekend gambling
- VIPs often get buffet access, hotel packages, and free chips
💸 Are Winnings Taxed in Cambodia?
As of 2025:
- There is no personal gambling tax on player winnings
- The Cambodian government taxes casinos and licensed operators, not individual players
- Online withdrawals (to ABA or Wing) typically do not trigger tax scrutiny — especially for small amounts
✅ Final Verdict: Can You Bet in Cambodia?
| Audience | Legal in Casinos? | Can Bet Online? |
|---|---|---|
| Cambodian Nationals | ❌ (not legally) | ✅ (in grey zone) |
| Foreigners | ✅ | ✅ |
| Tourists | ✅ | ✅ |
Yes, you can bet in Cambodia — but with rules. Locals turn to online sportsbooks and border workarounds, while tourists enjoy casino resorts freely.
Just remember:
- Stick to trusted, licensed platforms
- Use private payment methods
- Stay informed on legal updates
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