Cambodia to Ban the Issuance of Online Gambling Policy and Licenses

The Cambodian Government has issued a directive to stop the issuance of online gambling policy and licenses, both within and outside of Cambodia.

The government said that the industry had been used by foreign criminals to extort money. The southern coastal city of Sihanoukville has emerged as a particular centre for gambling and many of the dozens of Chinese-run casinos that have sprung up there have online gambling operations.

“The Royal Government of Cambodia will stop the issuance of online gambling policy and licenses, both within and outside of the Kingdom of Cambodia, from the date of signing this directive,” said the directive signed by Prime Minister Hun Sen.

“Some 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,” the directive said.

China is Cambodia’s close ally, its biggest donor and investor. It has also been trying to crack down on cross-border gambling, criticising operations in the Philippines that are similar to those in Cambodia.