Welcome to Poipet – the beating heart of Cambodia’s casino scene. Located on the border with Thailand, Poipet is known as “Casino City” for a reason: it’s packed with massive gambling resorts, flashing lights, and round-the-clock action.
Whether you’re a Thai visitor crossing the border, a Cambodian expat, or a traveler looking for a Vegas-style experience in Southeast Asia, this guide will show you where to gamble, how to get there, and what to expect in Poipet’s casinos.
📍 Where is Poipet?
Poipet is a border town in Banteay Meanchey province, directly across from Aranyaprathet, Thailand. It’s around:
- 3.5 hours from Bangkok by road
- 2.5 hours from Siem Reap
- Easily accessible via bus, minivan, or private taxi
The city itself exists almost entirely to serve gamblers – especially Thai players who cross over daily to enjoy legal casino action unavailable in their own country.
⚖️ Is Gambling Legal in Poipet?
✅ Yes – for foreigners only.
- Cambodian law prohibits local citizens from gambling in casinos
- But foreigners (including Thais and expats) can legally play
- Casinos operate under licenses issued by the Cambodian government
🧠 Note: Thai citizens need only a passport to enter, and no visa if staying short-term.
🏆 Top Casinos in Poipet (2025)
There are over 10 major casinos operating in Poipet, but these are the most trusted and popular:
🥇 Star Vegas Resort & Club
- The largest and most famous casino in Poipet
- Popular with high-stakes Thai gamblers
- Huge gaming floors: slots, baccarat, blackjack, roulette
- On-site hotel, restaurants, and nightclub
🛏️ Bonus: Free drinks while playing
🥈 Grand Diamond City Casino & Hotel
- Known for its poker tables and tournaments
- Big mix of table games and modern slot machines
- Mid-range hotel attached
- Close to border crossing – great for day trips
🎯 Best for: Poker players and casual tourists
🥉 Crown Casino Poipet
- Smaller, but offers a more local and relaxed vibe
- Budget-friendly hotel options
- Mostly focused on card games (baccarat, blackjack)
🔐 Good choice for beginners and small bankrolls
💠 Other Notable Casinos
- Holiday Palace Casino
- Tropicana Resort & Casino
- Princess Crown Hotel & Casino
Many of these casinos offer VIP services, private rooms, free meals, and player loyalty rewards.
🧳 What to Expect When Gambling in Poipet
| Feature | What You Get |
|---|---|
| 🕹️ Game Variety | Baccarat, blackjack, roulette, sic bo, slots, poker |
| 📦 Player Perks | Free drinks, food coupons, and hotel discounts |
| 💬 Languages Spoken | Thai, Khmer, English (basic) |
| 💵 Currency Used | Thai Baht & US Dollars (most casinos prefer THB) |
| 🧾 Requirements | Passport required for all foreigners (no visa if under 30 days for Thais) |
🧠 Pro Tip: Exchange money inside the casino – better rates than street changers.
🏨 Where to Stay in Poipet
You can either stay at the casino resorts or nearby budget hotels.
Recommended Hotels:
- Star Vegas Hotel – Classy, big rooms, good service
- Grand Diamond Hotel – Central, convenient, mid-range
- Holiday Palace – Cheaper, older, but functional
You can also book via Agoda or Booking.com — just search “Poipet border casinos”.
🛂 Crossing the Thai–Cambodia Border
Thousands cross every day for gambling, shopping, and business.
For Thai citizens:
- Passport required
- No visa for stays under 30 days
- Immigration is fast (especially in the morning)
For foreigners:
- Visa on arrival (most nationalities)
- Bring $30 USD in cash
- Quick process but expect a line on weekends
⚠️ Avoid touts and fake visa “helpers” near the border gate.
🪙 What About Online Gambling in Poipet?
While land-based casinos dominate Poipet, many players now use online platforms for:
- Betting during travel
- Crypto-based gambling
- Access to esports, virtual games, and live dealers
🔗 See our guide: Top Online Casinos for Cambodian Players
🔗 Or explore: Crypto Betting Sites in Cambodia
🔐 Is It Safe to Gamble in Poipet?
For the most part, yes — if you stay in the main resorts and avoid street gambling:
✔️ Stick to large, licensed casinos
✔️ Avoid illegal table games on the street
✔️ Use casino exchange desks for cash
✔️ Don’t flash large amounts of cash or chips
✔️ Keep your passport and phone secure
Poipet can be wild, but it’s manageable with a little caution.
🎯 Pros & Cons of Gambling in Poipet
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Big casinos with real action | ❌ Can feel chaotic and crowded |
| ✅ Free drinks and food for players | ❌ Border area is noisy and sometimes pushy |
| ✅ No restriction for foreigners | ❌ Locals can’t enter (legally) |
| ✅ Thai Baht accepted everywhere | ❌ Some casinos can feel dated |
🧠 Final Thoughts – Should You Gamble in Poipet?
If you’re looking for real casino action near Thailand, Poipet is a wild but rewarding destination.
It’s not as polished as Macau or Singapore — but it’s lively, accessible, and packed with games. Whether you’re staying overnight or just crossing the border for a few hours of gambling, you’ll find excitement, variety, and decent value.
🚪 Ready to Visit Poipet?
🎲 Check Hotel Deals in Poipet
🎰 Compare Online Casinos Accepting Cambodian Players
🧳 How to Cross the Border from Thailand to Cambodia