Cambodia ramps up casino compliance with new onsite officials
The Commercial Gambling Management Commission of Cambodia (CGMC) is set to establish onsite regulatory offices at each of the country’s licensed casinos to enhance oversight and ensure compliance with gaming regulations.
According to a press release from the General Secretariat of the Cambodian Commercial Gaming Management Commission, CGMC has identified thirteen licensed casinos in Cambodia as of January 2025. Among these are Le Macau Club Casino i.e. owned by Vina (Hong Kong) Co. Ltd., and DNA Star Vegas, a casino located in Poipet near the Thai border, operated by Australia-listed Donaco International Ltd.
‘Online supervision’ a future possibility
CGMC believes that these onsite regulatory offices will assist casino operators in meeting their compliance obligations and ensuring adherence to national gambling laws. Additionally, the regulator hinted at the potential introduction of “online supervision” in the future, though it has yet to provide details on how such a system might function.
The General Secretariat of the Cambodian Gambling Commission (CGCC) has announced a broader plan to strengthen administrative procedures, enhance compliance monitoring of casino operations, and transition towards an information technology-based management system.
As part of this initiative, permanent CGCC offices will be established in 13 casino locations, including six casinos in Preah Sihanouk province, four in Poipet, Banteay Meanchey province, and three in Bavet, Svay Rieng province. These regulatory offices will serve as a direct link between authorities and casino operators, ensuring smoother communication and stricter compliance enforcement.
The names of the casinos are as follows:
1. Le Macau Club Casino – Owned by Vina (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd.
2. Si-Hu Casino – Owned by Si-Hu International Co., Ltd.
3. Kampong Dewa Casino & Resort – Owned by Lionhart Group (Cambodia) Company Limited.
4. Queenco Victory Casino – Owned by Queenco Victory Beach Co., Ltd.
5. Powerlong Casino – Owned by Global East Entertainment Co., Ltd.
6. Atlantic Entertainment City Casino – Owned by Hong Chian Seng Xi Co., Ltd.
7. Hao Cheng Casino – Owned by Hao Cheng Hongyun (Cambodia) Property Investment Management Co., Ltd.
8. Holiday Palace Casino – Owned by Holiday Palace Holdings.
9. Galaxy Resort Casino – Owned by Galaxy Resort Club Co., Ltd.
10. Star Vegas Casino – Owned by DNA Star Vegas.
11. Crown Resort Casino – Owned by Anco.
12. Crown Bavet Casino – Owned by Anco.
13. Yong Yuan Bavet Casino – Owned by Casino Bavet-Moc Bai.
This move is expected to create a more transparent and accountable regulatory environment within Cambodia’s gaming industry, reinforcing the government’s commitment to effective oversight and responsible gambling practices.
Crackdown on illegal gambling
Lawmakers and experts in Cambodia have consistently pushed for stronger gambling regulations. In 2020, the National Assembly passed the Commercial Gaming Management Law to combat money laundering and enhance regulatory oversight, with the government emphasising its economic and social benefits.
The law granted broad powers to the Commercial Gambling Management Commission (CGMC) to regulate the commercial gambling sector, including the authority to conduct investigations and onsite inspections of gaming establishments.
In 2024, Prime Minister Hun Manet reinforced the government’s stance on illegal gambling by imposing a moratorium on new casino licences. This move reflects Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to tighten control over the sector. Experts have also advocated for urban planning strategies to reduce reliance on gambling revenues, promoting responsible gambling and sustainable economic policies.
