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The Cambodian Government has announced that it is to stop issuing new online gambling licences in the country with immediate effect. Existing online licences, estimated to be more than 150, will remain valid but won’t be renewed once they expire.
As part of an effort to clamp down on illegal gambling activities in the country, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen issued a directive announcing that the government “will stop the issuance of online gambling policy and licences, both within and outside the Kingdom of Cambodia,” effective immediately. Current licensees will be allowed to continue to operate until their certification expires, after which they must shut down operations in the country.
The government justified the move by claiming that “foreign criminals have taken refuge in the form of this gambling to cheat and extort money from victims, domestic and abroad, which affect the security, public order and social order.” In particular, the province of Shihanouk was said to be a preferred base for illegal operators, which are using igaming to cheat and extort money from players. Last week, local police arrested 127 Chinese nationals accused of running an illegal online gambling and extortion ring. Chinese authorities assisted local police in taking down the operation.
The Chinese government already praised efforts of its Cambodian counterparts. “We highly appreciate Cambodia’s decision to ban online gambling, as it will help protect both Cambodian and Chinese people’s interests. It will also strengthen the two countries’ law enforcement cooperation and friendly relations,” said Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Geng Shuang.
