Cambodia Revokes or Suspends Licenses of 72 Casinos Tied to Online Fraud
2026-07-30
Source: Yogonet
Cambodia shut down 72 casinos after inspections uncovered ties to online fraud, with 19 licenses revoked, 30 suspended, and 23 expired. Over 21,000 foreigners were deported as part of the crackdown, which involved raids on 737 scam centers.
Cambodian authorities have forced the closure of 72 casinos out of the country’s 195 licensed properties after inspections uncovered links to online fraud. The operations ceased following a regulatory crackdown that spanned June 2025 to June 2026.
License Status Breakdown
Of the shuttered venues, 19 had their licenses revoked outright due to confirmed involvement in online fraud, while 30 were handed suspensions. The remaining 23 had simply let their licenses lapse and were not renewed. The figures were reported by the Cambodia-China Times, citing data from the national inspection campaign.
Inspection Campaign Details
During the 12-month period ending June 30, 2026, authorities raided 737 suspected online-scam centers as part of a broader sweep that covered 28,512 sites. A total of 665 locations were investigated on suspicion of online fraud. Of those, 582 were identified as active criminal operations, and 83 were deemed hiding places for individuals evading law enforcement. The campaign led to the closure of 537 sites.
Deportations and Legal Actions
By the end of June 2026, Cambodia had deported 21,102 foreign nationals from 38 different countries. The legal system received 268 case referrals involving 2,773 suspects linked to online fraud operations.
Regulatory Outlook
Earlier this month, the Commercial Gambling Management Commission (CGMC), Cambodia’s casino regulator, outlined plans for nationwide casino evaluations to verify compliance with regulatory standards. The commission also set its enforcement priorities for the second half of 2026, signaling continued pressure on the industry.
Origins of Cyber Scam Networks
The rise of cyber scam hubs across Southeast Asia has been traced in part to the contraction of the region’s gambling sector following COVID-19 travel restrictions that began in early 2020. As land-based casinos lost revenue, some operators allegedly pivoted to illicit online fraud schemes.