Cambodia’s gambling regulator has reported rising revenues from legal casinos while simultaneously tightening enforcement against operators accused of breaking the law.

According to the Khmer Times, the Commercial Gaming Commission collected more than $72 million in mandatory revenue from licensed casinos in 2025, a 14 per cent increase compared with the previous year. The country currently hosts between 160 and 180 legal casinos, most concentrated in Sihanoukville, Bavet and Poipet.

Despite this growth, authorities have moved decisively against non-compliant operators. On 19 February, the commission announced the permanent revocation of five casino licences and the suspension of one more. The affected properties include Golden Fortune Resorts World, Jinbei Group, Cambodian Heng Xin Real Estate, GC Casino and Jinbei 4 Casino, with Wo Casino in Kampot facing temporary suspension.

Several of these casinos are reported to have ties to business networks linked to Chen Zhi, which have been associated with cyber fraud, online scams and cross-border criminal activity. Officials said the enforcement action was part of a broader campaign to dismantle criminal networks operating from casino properties, particularly those suspected of facilitating money laundering, human trafficking and unlawful detention.

Since January 2025, at least 13 casinos have had their licences terminated or suspended, reflecting heightened scrutiny of the sector. Authorities have also frozen the issuance of new licences, with all existing operators subject to annual audits.

The regulator stressed that penalties were imposed following compliance investigations and in line with Cambodia’s Commercial Gambling Management Law. Officials warned that further closures may follow if casinos fail to meet regulatory standards.

-2026-02-23

21 hours ago, geovalin said:

Officials warned that further closures may follow if casinos fail to meet regulatory standards.

Don't bet on it.